FEBRUARY'12 - PONSONBY NEWS

+ Celebrate summer on JERVOIS ROAD… VALENTINE’S DAY ideas to treat your beloved…

Our very own community-spirited HERNE BAY VILLAGE… New PONSONBY PINK PAGES inside

16,987 Published 3 February, 2012

FEBRUARY 2012 ponsonbynews.co.nz

ARCH HILL, PONSONBY, COXS BAY, FREEMANS BAY, HERNE BAY, GREY LYNN, ST MARY’S BAY, WEST LYNN AND WESTMERE PLUS SELECTED BUSINESSES IN HIGH STREET, CHANCERY, CBD, KINGSLAND, MT EDEN, NEWMARKET, NEWTON + PARNELL COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN

+

1

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS EST: OCTOBER 1989 – Incorporating the Ponsonby Community Newsletter (PCNL) CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

2 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

3

4 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

5

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH 063

Above left: Huge Mural gives Ponsonby site a facelift; Above right: Novel’s Andrew Maben enjoying summer on Jervois Road; Below: a nice meal is the perfect way to treat your Valentine

010 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 011 FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM 012 SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD

016 PIPPA COOM: GREY LYNN 2030 018 JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAPBOX 026 JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT 028 VALENTINE’S DAY 031 HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY 036 SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY 041 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 044 THE MISS JONES INTERVIEW 049 EMILY SMART: WORD PERFECT 050 FASHION + STYLE

054 LETTERS FROM MAUDIE: ANGELA LASSIG

057 K ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 058 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

060 PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

063 JERVOIS ROAD - HERNE BAY VILLAGE 076 HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS 083 DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET: THE DUCHESS OF HAMILTON

090 JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH 092 FUTURE GENERATION 096 HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 100 FIONNA HILL:

047 114 STREET NAMES 116 THE BOYS BOOK CLUB 119 PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS 122 PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS 124 ARTS + CULTURE 130 PONSONBY PINK PAGES COVER ILLUSTRATION: Michael McClintock

THE PONSONBY GARDENER

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January ry byy ALCHEMY A MEDIA LIMITED P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland T: (09) 378 8553 or (09) 361 3356 www.ponsonbynews.co.nzz

Like us! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews

Editor/Publisher

MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Associate Publisher

JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz

Deputy Editor

JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Business Development and Fashion Editor

JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Contributing Editor

DEIRDRE ROELANTS; M: 021 261 8439; E: deir@orcon.net.nz

Contributing Editor

JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott@ihug.co.nz

Proof Reader

RICHARD GRAVENOR

Layout Designer

ANYA VERYASKINA; E: pn4anya@gmail.com

Designer

MELISSA PAYNTER; E: melissapaynter@orcon.net.nz

PROUDLY PRINTED

BY GEON GROUP, AUCKLAND. ISSN 1177-3987

FULL MEMBER MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: WITHIN NEW ZEALAND $49, AUSTRALIA/PACIFIC $99. BY CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER IN NZ$. NO CREDIT CARDS. PLEASE NOTE: we do not hold back issues of Ponsonby News. Our archive is all online as a low resolution pdf or from august 2010, as a high resolution E-mag – visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies & manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.

PONSONBY NEWS+ is printed on paper sourced from sustainable, well managed forests and manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001.

Our hand delivered copies are flow wrapped in eco-friendly, degradable plastic. FOR BACK ISSUES AND ADVERTISING INFORMATION: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

6 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Jo Barrett

photography: martin leach

024

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

7

8 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

9

LETTERS + EMAILS

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

DECEMBER’S COVER Your Ponsonby News December cover is excellent. Please praise your designer. It inspires hope, love, family unity... and happiness for the coming year 2012. I subscribe to Metro and Home magazines and quite frankly their covers portray June, July, August, September… very uninspiring to say the least. Best wishes for 2012.

JOHN O’SULLIVAN, Herne Bay PROPOSED DEMOLITION OF THE MASONIC LODGE ON SALISBURY RESERVE, HERNE BAY A couple of years ago we received a mailer informing us of the terrific news that some ‘influential local’ had convinced the council to purchase the now defunct Masonic Lodge, Salisbury Reserve, with a view to turning it into a community centre - we were very excited about this plan. You can imagine our surprise, even shock, to receive another mailer last week this time from a ‘concerned resident’ arguing that one of the best options is to now tear it down and replace it with a carpark. Is this a kind of ‘Auckland-madness’?

The main argument of the ‘concerned resident’ was the fear factor ..”Do you want strangers coming from outside the community using the park?”, “Do you want to stand in line to kick a ball, use the playground?”. Oh please!

Having heard on the weekend that a children’s ballet school were wanting to be the main tenants I don’t actually believe that we’re likely to be driven from the park by angry hoards of wandering junior ballerinas, no matter how much they like the two swings and solitary (yes, that’s one) park bench.

Auckland Council spent $1.4 million purchasing the Masonic Hall, you can’t convince us Mr/Ms.’Concerned Resident’ that tearing it down is a responsible use of taxpayers money! Nor am I convinced that a community centre would be the death of the neighbourhood - last time I looked they’re meant to bring communities together.

It would be a great thing to see a community centre in Herne Bay for the use of residents and non-residents. I walk through Salisbury Park every day, twice a day and most of the time it’s empty. The facilities within the park are very poor - one park bench plus a tiny playground and this probably keeps it empty. The drainage is terrible in the winter so that deters any ball games for many months of the year.

Come on people!! Surely we can use our imaginations to come up with a better idea?

The last thing the community needs is another soulless carpark!

T. ADSHEAD, Herne Bay

LIKE US! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews Without batting an eyelid, the doctor immediately suggested I take drugs. She did pull out a chart and point out if I lost weight the blood pressure might drop to more acceptable levels.

I tried many natural remedies and treatments but the problem didn’t budge. The truth is I didn’t try hard enough and after three years of listening to the horror stories of what was going to happen to me if I didn’t take drugs, I gave in. I asked the doctor what the side effects were and I later learned, after I nearly died from this drug that she didn’t tell me ‘in case I developed those symptoms’. I immediately got bronchitis and coughed non-stop for five months nearly killing myself. My health went way down and I dragged myself through every day. My blood pressure did not drop considerably. I finally read the side effects of this drug and realised the drug caused bronchitis (I’d never had it before in my life) and the incessant debilitating coughing. I did go to the doctor about the coughing and she gave me an inhaler - she did not bother to examine the side effects of this drug. I weaned myself off the drug and my health returned.

A year passed and I again was scared to take another drug to ‘lower blood pressure’.

Once again it barely lowered my blood pressure and after a few weeks I was hit with debilitating fatigue and a sense of never being in balance. It was a shocking experience. I had to quickly wake up and take my own advice. I did a cleansing diet for six weeks, adjusted my food intake, joined the gym, started taking appropriate supplements and doing breathing exercises. My blood pressure has dropped because I have taken full responsibility and broken patterns of behaviour that were keeping the blood pressure high (yes...even if I should have known better). There is a place for medicine many times over, in so many serious situations, but the financial interests of doctors and pharmaceutical companies has led the adoring public to neglect age old wisdom of natural remedies that could serve them if only they were receptive to it.

I believe that many, many conditions can be treated naturally (read; adjust food intake for optimum health and energy levels), but the level of fear instilled in people by the medical profession prevents them even considering this as a safe option. In the end prevention is better than cure and that requires education. Our bodies run on fuel. If the quality of the fuel (food) is not good (and combined in ways that are a burden for digestion) it doesn’t function so well and eventually breaks down. On top of that we live in a sea of invisible radiation. Where is the mystery that our collective health is declining and chronic and serious illness is on the rise. We eat and drink (too much) from desire, not need, because we can and the subsequent result is rising health problems. It’s not rocket science, it’s not science. It is simple logic. PN RITA RICCOLA, Freemans Bay

EMILY SMART’S COLUMN Just some positive feedback on your current issue of Ponsonby News - I thought Emily Smart’s column was truly outstanding and so witty. I literally cried with laughter. Please give this woman more space in your magazine - I love her comical and sarcastic take on life. PAUL PATTON, by email SMITH’S LOCKSMITHS TO THE RESCUE When you break one set of glasses it’s a nuisance, but when you break the reserve pair an hour later panic is apt to creep in. To add to the mix I’m pretty much blind and it’s the day after Boxing Day, my Optician is closed and we are wandering Ponsonby Road, somewhat aimlessly looking for someone to replace a tiny screw in the lens attachment of my glasses.

Other Opticians were helpful and sympathetic but couldn’t offer any immediate solution. We explored the possibilities, a Watchmaker? (who makes watches today?).

A Modelmaker? (in Ponsonby Road? Yeah right!) We wandered on, stopping to try out all the ‘pre-cooked’ spectacles on the way. Passing the Fire Station I remembered Smiths Locksmiths, established in the 1880s they might still be doing some things by hand. After looking at the problem for a couple of minutes he said “might be able to fix it” and disappeared into the back. Minutes later he came back bearing the repaired and freshly cleaned glasses.

Wallet at the ready I asked, “how much do I owe you?” but much as I insisted, there was no charge. Years ago in less frenetic times, that sort of courtesy was probably quite common but it’s all too rare today and well deserving of note and gratitude.

TREVOR PLUMBLY, by email P.S. They also fix locks!

IS YOUR DOG AS HEALTHY AS YOU I’ve just read Deborah Kelland’s response to Dr Siouxsie Wiles in your October issue and I have to say it’s great to air this type of debate that is so close to all our hearts (and bodies). I trained and worked as a Naturopath for many years. In the beginning, the late 70s, we were considered not much more than witches expounding dangerous, unproven remedies and treatments. As Deborah says, over the last thirty years we have watched in astonishment as so much of this valuable information has become mainstream. About four years ago my blood pressure started to go up - no surprise, given the stress I was under and the simple fact I am getting older.

10 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News

FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM

WE ARE SURE OUR READERS ENJOYED THE CHRISTMAS BREAK AS MUCH AS we did…it was a shame about the lack of sun over the holidays, however, it was great to have some relaxing “think” time. We saw loads of movies, read many books and despite the weather we swam most days!

EVERY FEBRUARY WE INCLUDE A FEATURE ON SOME OF THE GREAT businesses on Jervois Road. Many have become our friends. Jervois Road has everything for easy summer living – art prints, books, bars, cafes, delis, delicious cupcakes, frozen yoghurt, gifts, jewellery, childrenswear, fashion, flowers, hairdressers, holistic health, beauty spas, real estate and wine. Summer is the best time to grab an outside table anywhere on the strip to enjoy the sun and discover, or rediscover all the nice people, businesses and community mindedness along Jervois Road.

Pretty much everything anyone could wish for is to be found in Jervois Road – known affectionately as Herne Bay Village. This time last year, we were saddened by the loss of Marty Ball, the owner of Momentum Gallery who died unexpectedly. There were tears in the office today while we were finalising the issue when we learned that Debra Stearns, Marty’s partner had herself passed away unexpectedly the previous day. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

BEFORE YOU FORGET, PLEASE REMEMBER VALENTINE’S DAY IS LOOMING ON Tuesday 14 February. This is always the most romantic day of the year, so throughout the issue we have made some suggestions as to how you might show your loved one how much they mean to you.

ON SUNDAY 19 FEBRUARY, FOLLOWING VALENTINE’S DAY, PONSONBY News is organising our inaugural Vege Competition at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, so we are asking locals with green fingers to enter by emailing us at info@ponsonbynews.co.nz.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

photography: Jane Blundell @ kloser

WE ARE DELIGHTED WITH SUMO LASER, OUR NEW PAPER STOCK IN THIS ISSUE. This change has enabled us to keep our productions costs at a level which means we will not be increasing our advertising rates as we usually do at this time of year. The good news is that this new stock is an environmentally responsible paper manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001, using FSC certified mixed source pulp from FSC well managed forests and other controlled sources. It’s the same paper as ‘Rip It Up’ uses and is our hot new matt look. As we say on Facebook - WE LIKE!

JAY PLATT, MARTIN LEACH, JULIE ROULSTON, + JO BARRETT LIKE CHARLOTTE GORDON, MANAGER OF THE GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET we have questions and concerns with the Food Bill draft that is going through Parliament.

Is there an exemption clause in the food bill excluding these type of activities from increased controls?

Grey Lynn Farmers Market, have a trading table, where locals can sell vegetables.

It is not bartering as the sellers receive money for their produce. Would this type of table need a national safety plan?

What will be the new requirements for a small food business or small scale farmer (as opposed to informal or fundraising stalls) under this bill? How will the food bill affect organic growers? Will raw milk still be able to be sold to those who wish to buy it?

Can food safety officers enter and search premises without a warrant in some circumstances and use any force necessary, while being immune from civil or criminal liability? There are so many unanswered questions!

FINGERS CROSSED THOSE MAYANS HAVE GOT IT WRONG AND 21 DECEMBER 2012 is not the end of the world as some have predicted, and that you have a fabulous and successful year. PN

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

11

CHAIR’S WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT: SHALE CHAMBERS Old habits die hard. The many headed monster that was the resource consenting and planning department of the old Auckland City Council we hope has finally had its last gasp and is now dead.

AUCKLAND RANKS THIRD IN MERCER QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY

Using the old Auckland City Council’s tame ‘yes men’ consultants and commissioners to flout the intention of District Plan rules simply can’t be the answer going forward. The District Plan rules are quite clear in the protection of heritage, especially in Residential 1 zoned areas.

ON THE SAME DAY MAYOR LEN BROWN ANNOUNCED A 2.4% IMPROVEMENT on liveability measures, Auckland has been ranked third in an international quality of life survey, the only Southern Hemisphere city to appear in the top ten.

The plan change in 2007 brought about by locals and their political representatives in Western Bays was done to make sure our homes in Residential 1 would be safe from the wrecker’s ball. An old original heritage home still standing from 1882 in Paget Street should have been firmly out of bounds from threat of demolition no matter who owned it and what they had paid for it.

A ‘compact city’ is a focus for the Auckland Plan and next Unitary Plan due to be notified this year. If our communities see entrenched Council staff processes assisting to demolish heritage houses in Residential 1 suburbs like Freemans Bay, and heritage town centre buildings like ‘Cook the Books’ in Ponsonby and Turoa Street in St Heliers, they will fearlessly resist, not embrace intensification.

The only way a compact city can work for historic communities is if Council keeps its promises to residents and town centre building owners who have lovingly fixed up their heritage homes and buildings in heritage precincts. These owners must be assured that despite land prices rising, these homes and buildings will not be allowed to be demolished by ‘tame’ consultants brought in by the very Council which is legally and morally bound to protect the District Plan provisions.

A great compact city is one where heritage buildings and homes are meticulously protected and cherished as a reminder of the past lives of a city and its forbears.

Well-designed 5-20 storied apartments blocks, midsized blocks and smaller town houses with good amenity are built close to public transport in areas that are not heritage precincts.

There are plenty of streets in Auckland where high rise is appropriate and where heritage homes and buildings will not be overshadowed and where volcanic sight-lines won’t be impinged upon. Balanced growth is critical.

Auckland has jumped one place in the Mercer Quality of Life Survey, improving on its 4th place ranking given in 2010. “Auckland is on track to becoming the world’s most liveable city,” says Len Brown. “We have produced our first annual scorecard, so we can measure the quality of living for all Aucklanders and the performance of our city by measures which are meaningful to our community.”

Creating healthy environments, developing strong communities, fixing transport, and building an economic powerhouse, form the basis of the Mayor’s vision for improving Auckland over the next 30 years. “International indicators like this give us a global profile, and are proof of what Aucklanders already know; this is a fantastic city to live in,” says the Mayor.

Mercer’s global survey is based on an evaluation of 39 criteria for each city, grouped in 10 categories, including political and socio-economic environment, medical and health considerations, education, transport and housing. The survey covers 221 cities, which are compared to New York as the base city, measuring quality of life and working conditions for overseas expatriates.

Also appearing high on the list was Wellington in 13th place and Sydney, the next Asia Pacific city after Auckland, in 11th place. Vienna is at the top of the list and Baghdad comes in at last place.

Len Brown says the result comes as welcome news to a city that has worked very hard over the past year. “Auckland has had a unique opportunity to showcase itself internationally during 2011 and we have a lot to be proud of,” he says. “Moving up a place on the scale is no small feat and I look forward to one day celebrating our place at the top of that list.” PN

The key will be for our inner city heritage streets in Ponsonby, Herne Bay, Grey Lynn, Freemans Bay and Westmere, and also Parnell areas to be correctly identified in the review of the District Plan. The Waitemata Local Board’s Heritage and Planning portfolios holders, Christopher Dempsey and Tricia Reade have been working to make sure that our Local Board and our communities’ view of heritage precincts is quite clear to those who make the decisions and rules when notifying the Unitary Plan.

A new owner must be under no illusion that they can bowl a home or building in a heritage street, make unsympathetic renovations, or neglect structures until they fall into a bad state of disrepair. ‘Demolition by neglect’ must not be able to happen.

The Governing Body Councillors made the wrong decision to ‘take Local Boards’ out of the planning process last year and instead put all the power into the hands of Council planning managers. Your local elected representatives are the ‘eyes and ears’ of our community within Council and are the ones that must be given the ability to challenge recommendations of planning officers like in 18 Paget Street, and ‘Cook the Books’, and the character heritage buildings down in the Wynyard Quarter.

I hope that in the coming review of local input into planning issues the advisory role of Local Board planning portfolio holders will be cemented in the process for these contentious decisions on character and heritage planning applications.

Happy New Year and I hope 2012 will be a watershed year, and a new start quite different from the old ways. The new Auckland Council must change its processes so that this time we learn from mistakes made. Thanks must go to the fourth estate for their role in making heritage decisions transparent.

(SHALE CHAMBERS) PN Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

13

 LOCAL NEWS

INTERWOVEN FATE

WOUNDED RIVER

PURICIDE

SIMON SHEPHEARD’S ART EXHIBITION WITH A MESSAGE SIMON SHEPHEARD HAS BEEN PART OF THE NEW Zealand Art scene for many years. On leaving Tikipunga High School in Whangarei, he hitchhiked to the big smoke in the seventies, based himself in Ponsonby and did a Fine Arts degree at Elam.

Simon gave up his lectureship at Elam to do his own thing which might well be described as an attack on consumerism. For twenty-five years he has been searching through inorganic collections, finding objects he cleans and stores at home. Later he matches them with a suitable landscape, turning them into works of art. This way he preserves the history of the object in its entirety because these days he believes we fall in and out of love too quickly with things that once served a useful purpose. He views them as part of the landscapes of his childhood and has a need to tell their story. To this end he heads North from his Grey Lynn house in a motor home with his wife and toddler aboard, camping near his favourite surfing spots and painting outside in the open air.

photography: Adam Strange

He’s had solo shows in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch galleries and won an Australian Writers and Art Directors Award in 1997 plus two Axis Awards in 1996 and 1999. He also spent some years as Senior Tutor and Lecturer at Elam. Now he eschews the Dealer Gallery circuit finding it easier to be self sufficient and interface with the materials that he chooses and the things he does with them.

The inorganic collections continue to be a source of ideas. He claims they are like free retail therapy where he constantly finds a twentieth century stream of amazing stuff one can’t buy anymore. For those who haven’t seen his exhibition Simon’s website has images with a two line artist’s statement beneath each one. For instance ‘Light Supper’ is a rocky little island off the Whananaki coast painted on an old metallic dinner tray. The sight of many twisted red plastic chairs outside the Ponsonby Cruising Club has been transposed onto the red velvet upholstery of an old chair back in ‘Wounded River’. A Puriri tree stump rising from the surface of an ancient barrel lid is named ‘Pururicide’.

Simon doesn’t use conventional materials for his art works.

Instead he matches them with thrown away pieces and at the same time brings attention to the way our land is being eroded and our clean, green image is under question.

“As a kid I loved and lived in these landscapes, but when I got older, I realised many of these places were sick or threatened”.

So now he walks the talk by building art “from all sorts of things in all sorts of environments”. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) www.simonshepheard.com

Works for his latest exhibition took two years to assemble and were on display in the atrium on the second floor of St Kevin’s Arcade towards the end of last year, ending on Christmas eve. He spent three weeks solid, cleaning and restoring the space till it was suitable for hanging his paintings. Stored in a garage with other old pieces they become downgraded, but displayed against a pristine background they undergo a complete transformation.

He chose St Kevin’s Arcade because he looks upon it as the beating heart of K’ Road and a peaceful place where people are not bombarded with signage. He had three very well attended openings over two months when he changed things around and added elements such as a framed slide show on a television screen depicting the motor home trip where the works were painted.

INTERWOVEN FATE

14 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JERRY CLAYTON BMW MARKETING MANAGER, KATE COVENY, TAKES TO THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE ALL NEW BMW X3

Sometimes as a marketer it is easy to get caught up in excess technical jargon and product information. In the name of integrity, I thought it would be an idea to make a concerted effort to see a BMW vehicle as though I had never been lucky enough to be immersed within the BMW brand.

Ever since we launched the X3 in March I have admired the sporty yet stylish design of the car. Although I have enjoyed the odd fleeting dash to a meeting, what better way to ignite some passion and make me fall in love with the product I work with every day, than to spend the holidays getting acquainted. Destinations far from Auckland City are the perfect way to get to know a car, and of course the road.

ELEVATED SEATS SHOW KATE THE COASTLINE VIEW FROM MATAKANA TO THE COROMANDEL Those who know me will know that I am, what my mother has always affectionately called me, “vertically challenged”. The X3 does a superb job of counteracting this, with an elevated seating position allowing me to enjoy vistas of the unsurpassable New Zealand coastline. These seats also offer heating –and while the thought of using this function in the middle of a New Zealand summer would normally make my skin crawl, with the grey and moody weather patterns of late I was almost tempted to try this out. Imagine how delightful this will be on an actual winter’s day.

PARKING CAMERAS – A LIFESAVER AT THE OMAHA SHOPS Perhaps it is my lack of height which I can blame for my day to day parking challenges.

The X3 comes to my rescue, offering surround view cameras with a bird’s eye view of the car and any obstacles (like curbs) which might get in my way. My husband would be thrilled with the savings on wheel repairs and this actually spurs me on to try out parallel parks I wouldn’t usually dare dream of attempting.

OFFICE AND VANITY ROLLED INTO ONE There are a few essentials in daily life and some of these extend to the cars I like to drive. Exceptional coffee is one of these and a cup holder to match is always a bonus.

While I like to leave the office behind, the iDrive allows me to stay connected when necessary and the many compartments allow for last minute makeup touch ups. Every detail is precisely crafted including the cream leather with chocolate brown top stitch.

NAVIGATING INTO THE NEW YEAR Another essential in any car which I am driving, is some form of navigation to prevent extra small moments of panic when I realise I am completely and utterly lost. Many find my complete lack of spatial awareness quite mystifying. The X3 arms me with a fail-safe system. I used it to find my New Year’s destination in Waihi. It is easy to use (again very important) and also projects my current speed and navigation instructions directly into my field of vision. This I find allows me to relax and enjoy the sounds of my iPod which was easily connected to the car through the Bluetooth system.

SPACE I don’t travel light, and yet was able to buy a few pieces of art and furniture at the Tairua markets and load these into the spacious X3. The kind man who offered to help load my indulgence was also quick to comment on my vehicle, including the colour which has always been my colour of choice – Deep Sea Blue.

While all of these features have added to the enjoyment of my summer driving, at the end of the day safety is paramount. As they may have been for you also, the roads were treacherous. With this in mind, the most important thing to note about the X3 was that throughout my travels I was in one of the safest vehicles on the road. I could be safe in the knowledge that if I was to puncture my tyre, the Runflats would safely get me home or to a repairer within 100km. I am also surrounded by airbags and the car is equipped with a range of stability control mechanisms to prevent any slide outs on the slippery roads. PN

Jerry Clayton BMW 445 Lake Road Takapuna, Phone 09 488 2000 www.jcbmw.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

15

PIPPA COOM GREY LYNN 2030 NEWS

GREY LYNN 2030 - CREATE THE COMMUNITY YOU WANT TO LIVE IN THERE’S SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT STARTING A YEAR AFRESH AND we go into 2012 with renewed energy for the Grey Lynn community projects that create our vision of a sustainable, resilient and vibrant place to live.

Mexi Kai truck for breakfast burritos and lunch time tacos. The trading table is a popular feature but is potentially under threat due to the Food Bill which has received a lot of publicity.

Grey Lynn 2030 – Transition Community is a group of like-minded locals working towards our vision of a sustainable future. By 2030 we hope to have all adapted to a reduced energy, local way of living. But as local academic, Niki Harre says in Psychology for a Better World (free download at www.psych.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/ download-the-book) we can be taking and inspiring positive action right now in a multitude of fun ways to enjoy the community we want to live in rather than waiting for it to happen.

Visit the market website www.glfm.co.nz to find out why there are genuine concerns about the Food Bill as drafted. The Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away team will be working with the market on an exciting zero waste project that has been funded by the Waitemata Local Board.

Around Grey Lynn there is plenty of positive action to take part in - just for good fun and real community spirit we have a newly formed Grey Lynn Community Choir.

The choir is for those who love to sing and want to sing with others. The only prerequisite is that you want to come along! A beginners ukulele group meets before the choir. The choir sings a variety of beautiful, uplifting songs. If you can’t read music and have never been in a choir before that’s absolutely fine, as there are no auditions. Practice starts again on Monday, 13 February. For more details visit www.greylynncommunitychoir.weebly.com or contact the choir master, Philip Griffin www.philipgriffin@gmail.com The Grey Lynn Farmers market continues every Sunday (except the last Sunday of the month) New additions to the market include delicious organic produce and the

The Grey Lynn Business Association’s popular networking drinks continue monthly.

The first evening is on Wednesday 8 February at Meola Kitchen. Check out the GLBA website www.glba.co.nz for details of events coming up in 2012 and the benefits of joining the association.

Volunteers are welcome at the Wilton Street Community Garden. The gardeners are there from 10am – midday on Sundays. Locals are welcome to use the composting facility at the garden.

Finally, if you like the sound of what we do, want to get involved, or have ideas to share come along to the first Grey Lynn 2030 community meeting of the year on Tuesday 7 February at 7pm at the Grey Lynn Community Centre. (PIPPA COOM) Contact suzanne.kendrick@gmail.com for more information www.greylynn2030.co.nz www.facebook.com/greylynn2030

THE GREY LYNN COMMUNITY CHOIR THE RECENTLY FORMED GREY LYNN COMMUNITY CHOIR PERFORMED AT St Columba church on Friday 4 December. They sang several pieces including Pase el agua and Ding Dong Merrily on High. A wonderful event which was enjoyed by a number of local residents. PN

ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

CHARITIES TO BENEFIT FROM 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF PORTS OF AUCKLAND ROUND THE BAYS AUCKLANDERS WILL RAISE OVER $100,000 FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITIES when they hit the streets in March 2012 for the annual Ports of Auckland Round the Bays The Child Cancer Foundation, Kidz First, Make a Wish Foundation, and Garden to Table Trust were recently announced as the nominated charities for 2012.

Event spokesperson, Fairfax Media Group Sales and Marketing Manager Sandra King, says they are expecting the 40th anniversary waterfront run on Sunday 18 March to be the biggest ever. “The more participants who officially register for the Event, the more we are able to donate, as all net proceeds go to our nominated charities,” says Ms King.

Funds have been earmarked by the charities for specific projects: • Kidz First will build a new playground outside the A&E department at the hospital • Make a Wish Foundation will enable children with life-threatening medical conditions to have a wish come true • Subscriptions to the Garden to Table Trust to set up school vegetable gardens • The Child Cancer Foundation will benefit from 500 new electronic thermometers Sandra King says registrations for the 8.4km fun run opened last month. Over 1000 teams are expected to take part, with many having already booked bbq sites. “The popular BBQ sites sell out fast, as more businesses make Ports of Auckland Round the Bays their main staff event for the year. www.roundthebays.co.nz PN

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS  AUCKLAND RANKS IN TOP TEN ASIA-PACIFIC CITIES OF THE FUTURE FDI MAGAZINE’S ASIA-PACIFIC CITIES OF THE FUTURE 2011/12 SURVEY SEES Auckland ranked sixth in the Business Friendliness category and rising from tenth to seventh place in the FDI Strategy category rankings. “Auckland’s economy is growing faster than New Zealand’s national average, our population is getting bigger, younger and more cosmopolitan”, says Clyde Rogers, General Manager Business and Sector Development for Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

Auckland’s strategy to attract foreign direct investment into the city is strongly reinforced by these rankings against other major Asia-Pacific cities. Currently more than 600 international companies are based in Auckland, a testament to the region’s attractiveness for foreign direct investment. “Auckland’s ability to speak with one voice for the whole region has been a major factor in the two year result. Our vision for Auckland is driving New Zealand’s economic prosperity by leading the successful transformation of Auckland’s economy. It’s a vision for Auckland, but one with real significance for the whole country”, says Mr Rogers.

Today there are 1.4 million people living in Auckland, with population growth rates increasing by 10 per cent per annum. It is estimated that the population will reach two million in 2030. Consistent improvement of the region’s infrastructure means investing in Auckland’s future economic growth. PN

PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

17

JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAP BOX THE SUPERCITY — ONE YEAR ON

Nikki Kaye’s statement that it’s about “central and local government working together in partnership” is laudable. Let’s hope she can persuade her National MP colleagues to support her in this objective.

HOW HAS AUCKLAND DONE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE SUPER CITY? All Auckland Council citizens, whether living in the far flung corners of the city like Wellsford or Pukekohe, or in central city Ponsonby, have a number of basic expectations of their city governors. They expect a safe environment for them and their kids, easy access to shops, schools, churches, parks, libraries, reserves and playgrounds. They expect these environments to be clean and pollution free. They expect their rubbish to be collected and water supplied at reasonable cost. They expect work to be available, handy enough to where they live and transport infrastructure and options available, helpful to these expectations.

Graeme Easte believes land use planning and transport are key aspects of the soon to be released Auckland Plan which will guide the development of our rapidly growing region over the next 30 years. “Central to the plan is the principle of a more compact urban form focusing most of the new development at growth nodes within existing suburbs,” says Easte. Easte, like Labour MPs spoken to by Ponsonby News, is fearful National Government policies threaten to abolish urban limits, and pour more and more money into motorways.

Given that “the governance arrangement was foisted on us by Central Government,” (to quote former Auckland City councillor Graeme Easte), led by Local Government Minister, Act Party’s Rodney Hide, the general consensus is that Auckland is doing as well as could be expected. Graeme Easte is constructive in his comments. “We must make the most of the hospital pass we were handed. We must protect the ‘local’ in local government, and give the 21 Local Boards the autonomy they need.”

But the Labour Party believes, to quote Phil Twyford that “there are some fundamental disagreements between John Key’s Government and Len Brown’s Council on the future of our nation’s largest city.” As Jacinda Ardern (Labour list MP) says, with regard to the Auckland Council’s 30-year plan, “From the day it was launched I have been incredibly enthusiastic about the vision the Mayor has presented for Auckland, but Central Government certainly hasn’t made his job easy.”

On the National Party side of politics, Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye is a passionate supporter of Auckland and her Central Electorate. She strongly supports the Auckland plan aim to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city by 2040. Kaye, unlike most of her National Party colleagues, like Steven Joyce, is a strong supporter of the CBD rail link, and urban public transport. However, she defends the Government’s position that more research is needed on its viability before it should proceed. In other words she is sitting on the fence. She will need to be very persuasive to convince some of her roading - obsessed colleagues to allow Auckland to decide its own destiny, and insist Central Government pays its share.

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

As Phil Twyford points out, “Hand in hand with the vision of a compact city is Mayor Brown’s plan for a revitalised public transport system. But National is unmoved by the promise of finally delivering on Robbie’s Rapid Rail, and is refusing to stump up with it’s share of the cost of the City Rail Link.”

There is general consensus that our Waitemata Local Board has made an excellent start, emphasising its desire to listen to locals and implement, where they have the autonomy to implement, policies to improve life for Waitemata rate payers and citizens.

It is critical that the local boards do have the funds and autonomy to plan for their own communities. While there are many common expectations among all Aucklanders, there are differing needs in different local areas.

A city as geographically large and diverse as Auckland must have an opportunity to develop and implement local programmes to suit local needs. In Graeme Easte’s words, “Having set the super city up on the pretext of improving our governance, Government should let us get on with it.”

And finally, it seems to me, the National Party must get over the fact that Len Brown beat John Banks, and listen to the elected Mayor and Councillors. The National Government and the current Auckland Council may have differing political philosophies, but I would contend that building billions of dollars worth of highways to nowhere is a sunset activity – building up public transport, including rail, is a sunrise one. Let’s join Mayor Brown and celebrate the new dawn, and leave the past to fade out in the twilight. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE ECOSTORE STORY MALCOLM RANDS FEELS LIKE THE LUCKIEST man in the world. Why? Because, as founder and managing director of local firm ecostore, he is doing what he loves — developing and running a sustainable eco-friendly business. Rands told Ponsonby News that being sustainable makes good business sense. “Being sustainable makes you look long term and implement better business practices that will last. Sure the cost might be more upfront but over time it saves you money, time and builds you client loyalty and trust which is hard to put a price on.”

Malcolm and Melanie Rands started ecostore in 1993 - they moved into their premises on Scotland Street in 1997, a year earlier than their neighbour New World Supermarket. There were still old gas tanks where the supermarket now is. The Rands had a dream to create a healthier, more sustainable, world.

Since 1994, ecostore has researched, and brought to market, New Zealand’s leading range of healthier, eco friendlier household cleaners, body care, pet care and organic gardening products.These plant and mineral based products focus on looking after the health and wellbeing of people as well as the planet.

Initially, sold by mail order, the ecostore range of over 100 products is now available in all supermarkets and health stores throughout New Zealand, as well as their flagship store in Freemans Bay. They are also sold in over 900 Australian Supermarkets, and in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States. New York City alone has 150 stores selling ecostore products. We asked Malcolm Rands what sort of year 2011 was, and his predictions for 2012.

“2011 was a challenging year for all businesses, and we were not immune just because we are an eco business,” Rands told us. “Since 2008 people have reacted to global meltdowns by hunkering down, so we’ve converted less people than in the past.

We grew at 100% for some years. Last year the whole trade in this country in cleaning products was down 8% in dollar terms - but ecostore was up 12%, an amazing result when everyone else was going backwards.”

Even in the challenging Australian market ecostore was up 30%. Rands credits word of mouth as a huge reason they are still growing. He knows of customers whose skin rashes, and other allergies have disappeared when they use ecostore cleaning products. “It is not enough to claim that your product uses natural ingredients,” points out Rands, “It’s very trendy to have products which are eco but what’s concerning is that there are some on the market currently undercutting our prices and getting some

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

traction, but the ingredients are harsh and aggressive on the skin. We won’t touch those substances even if they are natural, we will look for a safer alternative”.

One of those substances ecostore won’t use is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) which is a known skin irritant, even though it is plant based. “I strongly urge people to buy products that disclose ALL their ingredients,” says Rands.

A great strength of ecostore is its rigorous research and development of new and improved products. They have one of New Zealand’s foremost chemists, Sir Ray Avery, as their lead chemist, reviewing and refining product formulations as new science comes to hand.

Malcolm Rands and ecostore have caught the rising tide of awareness and understanding about what is good for the environment and what is good for people and their families.

“Health is a hot topic and we’re finding people want to know not only what they are putting down their drains but importantly what they and their family are putting on their skin,” he says.

Early on, ecostore recognised that if their products were going to become household names they needed to be able to be purchased along with the weekly shopping. This meant smaller profit margins, which ecostore was prepared to accept because they believed in what they were doing and as Malcolm says, “our strategy is long term.”

A percentage of ecostore’s profits are channelled into the not-for-profit Fairground Foundation that focuses on creating a healthier, more sustainable world through courageous leadership and on-the-ground action.

Fairground has started a consultation process with a wide group of architects, town planners, developers and building suppliers to look at high density eco housing close to the heart of Auckland City. Malcolm brings his experience of founding one of New Zealand’s first permaculture eco-villages, on the Northland Coast, to the table. We will watch this exciting development with keen interest.

And so Malcolm Rands is a lucky man, but he may well, if asked, echo South African golfer Ernie Ells, who was told by a commentator after a good round, “you’re a lucky golfer.” “Yes”, said Ells, “the harder I work, the luckier I get.”

Malcolm Rands works hard, and like all businesses, ecostore is often stressful, but he is doing what he loves doing—making a difference on a planet that is environmentally going to the dogs. We need more like him—running successful cause-related businesses, selling good products that make it easy and pleasurable for all of us to make a small difference. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

19

 LOCAL NEWS THE ROTARY CLUB OF WESTHAVEN AUCKLAND AWARDS PRESENTATION At a recent meeting of our members we were privileged to have several special guests.

Under various pretexts and manipulations we had present four people to whom we bestowed Community and Vocational Certificates for their work in the local area.

Sister Patrice Lowell (Community) has been a Sister of Mercy for more than 50 years, during which time she has had a fulfilling and varied career as well as caring for young children in two boarding schools. She has had many different roles in St Mary’s Convent and other branch houses in the Auckland Diocese. For the past six years Sister Patrice has volunteered three days a week for Mercy Hospice Auckland’s Hospice shop in Ponsonby Road. Julie Reid of Mercy Hospice said, “she is an inspiration to everyone she works with; a volunteer model to us all.”

Marcel de Witte (Community) is well known in the Westhaven Rotary club. He has been a passionate speaker and project manager of the restoration work on the Hawkes Sea Scout Hall in Cox’s Bay for the last four years. In his own time, Marcel’s focus and dedication and use of his professional skills have seen the restoration project complete major work and get funds raised ever closer to the $900,000 budget goal.

Luigi Rocca (Community) has had and still has grandchildren at Ponsonby Primary School. For the last few years, Luigi has spent every Friday at the school to help children build things, such as bird houses and yachts. At the same time he chats to them in Italian and the children love it. Principal Anne Malcolm said, “He comes to every sports day, the music shows and he is a fabulous person to have at our school.”

Miranda (Mandy) Rocca (Vocational) is head of the Lewis Eady Music School which delivers music lessons to almost 3200 students weekly at 20 Auckland partner primary and intermediate schools and at the Lewis Eady Music Centre in Remuera. She is also a trustee of the NZ Ukulele Festival, committee member of ORFF New Zealand Aotearoa and coach of the Marimba orchestra at Ponsonby Primary School. Principal, Anne Malcolm said that Mandy had given up hundreds of hours to teach music in her school and across Auckland.

The Rotary Club of Westhaven Auckland is a breakfast club and meets each Tuesday morning at 7am for 7.15am to 8.30am sharp at the Richmond Yacht Club, Westhaven Marina. The members of the club are proud supporters and fundraisers for the local community and rotary projects. Visitors are invited to join the members for the best morning views and stunning sunrises in the city, great early morning fellowship and interesting and entertaining speakers. (JILL KITCHEN) PN j.kitchen@xtra.co.nz

TE ARA, NEW ZEALAND’S ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA, ROCKETS TO THE TOP Te Ara, New Zealand’s online encyclopedia has topped web statistics becoming the most accessed non-commercial website in October.

Janine Faulknor, Te Ara Manager, says their website has recently undergone a big facelift.

“The redesigned site went live last year and we're pleased that users have responded so well to its fresh, new look and faster delivery; our interactive content appeals to a range of users here and abroad,” she said.

Jock Phillips, Senior Editor, says the spike may relate to the recent influx of international visitors to our shores.

“Te Ara is the liveliest, most accurate and comprehensive guide to New Zealand in all its richness, and it seems likely that visitors to the Rugby World Cup wanting to find out about this country are responsible for its popularity,” he said.

To find out more about New Zealand, our people, places and events visit Te Ara at www.teara.govt.nz PN

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

1. President Elaine Mead and Sister Patrice Lowell – Community Service Certificate; 2. President Elaine and Marcel de Witte – Community Service Certificate; 3. President Elaine and Luigi Rocca – Community Service Certificate; 4. President Elaine and Mandy Rocca – Vocational Service Certificate PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

21

 LOCAL NEWS WRITE NOW AT THE CREATIVE HUB THE CREATIVE HUB IS A UNIQUE WRITING CENTRE on Auckland’s Princes Wharf, offering a diverse range of courses, and the first to be run entirely by professional authors and editors. Their tutors include some of New Zealand’s leading writers and teachers of writing, including long-time Ponsonby resident, Yvonne Van Dongen; Tessa Duder; Graham Reid; Roger Hall; and John Cranna.

The Creative Hub is a dynamic environment in which to learn a new skill – or hone an existing one – and where students can share their writing with experts and peers, and gain valuable feedback about their work. The Creative Hub also offers a manuscript assessment service; an invaluable tool for writers wishing to develop and polish their work.

HERE’S A TASTE OF WHAT’S ON OFFER AT THE CREATIVE HUB FROM FEBRUARY 2012:

THE ART AND CRAFT OF MEMOIR You owe it to future generations to tell your story! If you have ever been tempted by the idea of writing your memoirs but not known where to begin, this course will provide the confidence and skills to help access your creativity and writing talent. Some of the topics covered by the course are: storytelling style and developing your unique voice, structure and thematic development, self-editing, tips on preparing a story for online publication and the ethics of writing about significant others.

Course dates: 27 March – 17 April CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULT FICTION COURSE Do you thrill your kids at night with fantastic tales? Writing for children is all about writing in a simple, fresh, vivid style.

The course looks at how to get inside the head of a child; how to adjust your writing style specifically to children; an overview of the genres available; the role of picture books; how to make characters come alive; novel writing for children; how to structure and shape a story and also educational writing. The course tutor will also help you find original ideas for stories.

Course dates: 26 April – 14 June

TRAVEL WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE New Zealanders have always been big travellers and have a habit of turning up in the farthest-flung corners of Long-time Ponsonby resident the world. Learn to write about these exotic destinations in YVONNE VAN DONGEN a sure and masterful way. Travelling to far-off places can be much more rewarding if you are able to capture the atmosphere and culture of your Full course details and booking information can be found at www.thecreativehub.net.nz destination, and then successfully pitch these experiences to a publication.

Tutor Yvonne van Dongen is one of New Zealand’s most respected travel writers and editors. For a number of years she was Travel Editor of the New Zealand Herald and, subsequently, Travel Editor of onHoliday Magazine. She writes regularly for NZ Life & Leisure, The Australian, AA Directions, Conde Nast Traveller, and North and South Magazine. She has won a number of awards for her travel writing, including Best Tourism and Travel Column in the Qantas Media Awards, Lifestyle Journalist of the Year, two Commonwealth Media Awards, and Cathay Pacific Media Writer of the Year.

Course dates: 7 February – 27 March ADVANCED FICTION COURSE Take your writing to another level with this course for writers who have completed a novel or short story manuscript. Full-length works of fiction usually take several years to complete and this course is designed to assist writers who want to take the first draft of a manuscript or work-in-progress to a higher level. In workshops and tutorials you will be encouraged to develop your distinctive writing voice, extend your characters and explore story structure.

Course dates: 14 March – 10 October

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS  DECEMBER MEETING - PONSONBY U3A PONSONBY U3A ENJOYED THEIR FINAL ‘BIG DAY OUT’ FOR THE YEAR on 7 December. Twenty of us climbed into a small bus and headed out to Huia.

We first visited the Settlers Museum, opened especially for our benefit, and were treated to a guided tour by one of the local volunteers. We were impressed with how comprehensive and well presented the collection was. It gave a good overview of the people and the activities of the early European settlers. Following this we headed back to the Huia Cafe for lunch. The remainder of the day was spent at Whatipu. Glorious weather helped make this a lovely way to spend an afternoon and escape the pre-Christmas rush for a while.

The last meeting of the year was held at Leys Institute where we again spent a pleasant morning being entertained by Linn Lorkin, assisted on this occasion

by Craig Denham on accordian. Linn is well-known to Ponsonby folk as a regular entertainer at restaurants along Ponsonby Road. From her extensive repertoire she provided an interesting mix of well loved French songs plus her own originals linking themes from her childhood in the country to inner-city living. After this we enjoyed a shared lunch.

The next meeting of Ponsonby U3A will be held at 9.45am on Friday 10 February at Leys Institute. The speaker will be Jen Birch who will be speaking on ‘Asperger Autism Spectrum’ from firsthand experience. There will also be a ten minute speaker. Visitors welcome. (NGAIRE CHAPLIN) PN

BUDDING PONSONBY ARTIST INCORPORATES A DRAGON WITH TIGER TO WIN BIG LUCKY PONSONBY RESIDENT KEN GRIFFIN HAS let his artwork do the talking, and has won the chance to have his design emblazon the front of chests across the nation this Chinese New Year. In November, Tiger Beer put out the call for designers and artists to create a design for a ‘Tee’ (t-shirt) for an on-pack giveaway to celebrate the Tiger Beer brands Asian heritage ahead of the 2012 Chinese Horoscopes Year of the Dragon.

A field of over 40 highly regarded designers answered the call and submitted incredible works of art, all of which incorporated both a dragon along with the Tiger Beer logo.

Graphic designer Ken from Ponsonby took top honours with his design called ‘What Goes Around Comes Around’, chosen by a star studded judging panel which included Huffer’s Sam Hickey. All the judges felt Ken’s design would firstly look great on a t-shirt but also ticked all the design element ‘boxes’.

Ken has won a 27” iMac Computer worth nearly $3000 along with the chance to have his original artwork printed on t-shirts which will be given away this Chinese New Year with Tiger Beer 12-packs.

Speaking on his win Ken Griffin mentioned “This is the perfect prize, I was over the moon when Tiger Beer rang and told me I had won. The iMac is awesome; however the real prize for me is having my design on t-shirts which people are going to be wearing.

It’s an honour to have one of the best in the business Sam Hickey (from Huffer) picking my design. I’ve never won anything before and this is like a dream.”

Tiger Beer Brand Manager Carla Rawson mentioned “It’s been great to see people get behind the competition and show such artistic flair in their designs. Thanks to all those who entered; there were some incredible artworks submitted, it goes to show that there are really talented Kiwi artists and designers. Ken Griffin has created an outstanding artwork, seamlessly integrating the Tiger Beer logo and dragon together which made his artwork stand out from the crowd. He’s our deserving winner of both the iMac and t-shirt competition.”

To get your hands on a limited edition Ken Griffin Tiger Tee, either purchase two boxes of specially marked Tiger Beer 12-packs and text or enter the unique codes online, or visit selected bars around the country and purchase six beers to receive the unique codes. PN To find out more information visit www.tigerbeer.co.nz or the Tiger Beer NZ Facebook page www.facebook.com/tigerbeernz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

23

HUGE MURAL GIVES PONSONBY SITE A FACELIFT LAST MONTH SEVERAL NEW ZEALAND ARTISTS HAVE WORKED WITH LOCAL community groups on some public artworks at Progressive Enterprises development known as Soho Square.

The Progressive Enterprises’ Ponsonby development is undergoing a facelift, with the help of several well-known Kiwi artists. Otis Frizzell, Dan Tippett, Adrian Jackman and Karl Maughan were invited to work with The Colour of Our Community, a community -driven beautification project with support from Progressive Enterprises, the Auckland Council, Artstation, and the Ponsonby Business Association.

Each artist has been asked to design and paint a 12-metre mural which reflects the “colours of our community”, as well as becoming mentors to various local community groups who will be completing other sections of the hoardings currently surrounding the Ponsonby site known as Soho Square.

Resene is the project sponsor and will underwrite most of the materials needed to complete the murals. The murals, which will stretch approximately 400m in total, (reportedly the longest in this country) will be on display during the construction phase of the development and will then be auctioned off at a charitable event. We are delighted to see Progressive engaging the community in this way and can’t wait until the entire site is completed. PN

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

25

JAY PLATT

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Ecoya body exfoliator $49.95 @ Redcurrent www.redcurrentathome.co.nz; Rachel Carly heart plates $37 each @ Tessuti www.tessuti.co.nz; Flowers for your Valentine by Nina for Flowers www.ninaforflowers.co.nz; Keyring $23 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Whiskey Flask $72 @ Pylones www.pylones-newzealand.com; Golf balls $11.50 each @ Redcurrent www.redcurrentathome.co.nz; Culture to Catwalk by Kristin Knox $75 @ Womens Bookshop www.womensbookshop.co.nz; Ecoya Sweet pea and Jasmine hand & body lotion $29.95 @ Redcurrent www.redcurrentathome.co.nz; Mr Cold soap pump dispenser by Alessi $75 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VALENTINES DAY: TUESDAY 14 FEBRUARY

WE CANT LIVE WITHOUT...

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Ladies fan $24 @ Pylones www.pylones-newzealand.com; La Duree candle $149 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand.co.nz; ‘Josephine’ Missoni bath towel $126 @ Tessuti www.tessuti.co.nz; Miss Taintor Tissues $5.90 @ Presentz; ‘Otto’ dental floss dispenser by Alessi $38 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Creed ‘Love is Black’ $399 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand.co.nz; Skali ‘Cuff’ $115 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Ginger Lilly scented soap $10.50 @ Presentz; ‘Lucien’ Heart bracelet $79, ‘Lucien’ necklace $102 @ Pylones www.pylones-newzealand.com PN STYLING: Jay Platt; PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santanta

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

27

KAREN PHELPS EIGHT SIGNS THE HONEYMOON PERIOD IS OVER Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and romance. But sometimes it is also a reminder that your relationship has entered the phase of the contented couple.

1. WHAT LIES BENEATH In the early days you always wore your sexiest lingerie while he favoured boxers sporting an expensive label. Now you’re more likely to be found wearing baggy faded cotton knickers and grunds that do nothing to enhance your assets. The clincher is that you both no longer care.

2. GRIEVOUS BODILY-FUNCTION HARM In the beginning you strove to give the impression that you were both rare human beings that didn’t emit any disagreeable by-products or noises. Now both of you are happy to carry out bodily functions in each other’s presence. When you go to the toilet you no longer stuff toilet paper down the bowl or turn on the taps to muffle the sound.

He no longer feels the need to close the toilet door.

3. GRAVITATIONAL PULL At this stage of the relationship everything seems to be attracted downwards and stays there. Your clothes and make-up may end up scattered all over the room as you prepare for a big night out. His dirty socks and grundies are magnetically attracted to the floor where they remain for weeks at a time.

4. SPACE INVADERS What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine is now the mantra. You used to treat each other’s space with respect. Now your partner sprawls into your side of the bed at night, they have stolen the remote control to the television, have taken over your wardrobe and you suspect they are even using your toothbrush.

5. LOSS OF THE THRONE The toilet seat was always put down after he used the facilities. Now when you wander sleepily into the toilet in the middle of the night you are jolted awake by the sensation of cold porcelain and just about fall down the bowl.

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

6. AT YOUR LEISURE You no longer go out on dates - it is now assumed that you will hang out together at weekends. You most likely spend Saturday nights watching DVDs rather than dancing at some hot club. If you do venture out the front door it is to go to the movies where you now each pay for your own ticket and popcorn. Afterwards when you are both home and in bed the activity you are most likely engaged in is sleep.

7. ROOM TO GROOM Gone are the days when you used to meet each other looking your best. Now you prefer to carry out your personal grooming routines right in front of each other. When you are both watching TV sadly you are now more likely to be hit by flying toenails than butterfly kisses.

8. BERMUDA TRIANGLE OF RECEIPTS Like peacocks you used to proudly display your latest purchases for the benefit of your loved one. He used to show off his latest gadgets and you used to walk around in a new expensive pair of shoes. Now receipts are more likely to be hidden where your partner will never find them and bank statements miraculously disappear before they can be read. (KAREN PHELPS) PN

ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

29

 VALENTINES DAY 14 FEBRUARY

JEWELS IN PONSONBY’S CROWN Greater Ponsonby’s jewellers and jewellery retailers are strikingly personable and happy-seeming people. Perhaps it’s because they are creatives doing what they love, successfully? Or because they get to work with exquisite things? We asked some Ponsonby News favourites to tell us a little about their lives - judge for yourself!

Shaun McBride SEVENTYSIX DESIGN HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A JEWELLER? At school I was always drawn to art and woodwork. When school wasn’t working out for me, I decided to apply for jobs in cabinetmaking. I was just about to start an apprenticeship when my mum spotted an ad for a jewellery apprenticeship. I knew straight away that this would be the perfect fit.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR CRAFT? I love the designing and the people that we meet. That we can create awesome pieces of jewellery in store, by hand, with old-fashioned techniques and tools. I love that this SEVENTYSIX DESIGN trade is so old – one of the oldest trades in the world - and yet at the same time, it’s still possible to come up with new ring designs each and every day. I especially love that pieces we hand make here will last for generations, that’s awesome!

WHAT’S THE MOST EXCITING COMMISSION YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO DATE? I was give the opportunity to create a personalised version of an American NBA Basketball Championship-style ring (you know, the over-the-top, massively heavy, diamond-encrusted ones). Basketball is my favourite sport, and my dream – since entering the trade – has always been to one day hand-make a ring designed along those lines. Fortunately I had a client approach me who wanted just that! I was stoked…oh, also we should mention my wife’s engagement ring (ha ha)!

DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? We love the amazing feedback and proposal stories that are emailed through to us once the proposal is complete. It is such a rewarding industry to be in and such a momentous time in someone’s life - being a part of that is very special.

WHAT’S THE MOST UNUSUAL COMMISSION YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO DATE? We had one engagement ring client who decided he would like to do a surprise proposal in our gallery. His girlfriend had no idea what was about to happen. Since we have private premises on Richmond Road, she thought she was picking up a Trade Me purchase for her friend. The room had been transformed with fairy lights and candles.

It was very romantic and memorable.

WHAT PIECE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR PARTNER FOR VALENTINE’S DAY IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT? (Michael) A one-of-a-kind, personally designed platinum ring, featuring a very rare and beautiful diamond.

WHAT PIECE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR PARTNER FOR VALENTINE’S DAY IF YOU HAD TO WATCH YOUR BUDGET? (Michael) A ring from The Diamonds On Richmond Cocktail Collection, as they are stunning and very affordable.

YOUR JEWELLERY-RELATED TIP FOR PONSONBY NEWS READERS? When purchasing a diamond engagement ring it is not always about the size of the diamond. The quality and gradings of the stone are equally important.

Colin Thomson AURUM FINE JEWELLERY HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A JEWELLER? After school in Durban, South Africa, I started a Geology degree and then worked on a platinum mine. About the same time a friend had started studying jewellery. I visited and that was it - my love of gems, metals and art came together and I have been making jewels ever since.

WHAT PIECE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR PARTNER FOR VALENTINE’S DAY IF YOU HAD TO WATCH YOUR BUDGET? We have recently started stocking a range of Marcasite and silver rings which are Art Deco-inspired, also earrings and necklaces. They start at around $80. She loves all of those!

YOUR JEWELLERY-RELATED TIP FOR PONSONBY NEWS READERS? Honestly, keep it simple for Valentine’s Day. Remember it’s really a token of love and and/or appreciation for someone. Pendants, earrings and dress rings are the perfect something. Save the really big purchases for when it really matters, as that jewellery will tell a story and be kept for generations.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB/CRAFT? It is creative and technically difficult but at the end the reward is a satisfied client.

Michelle Wobcke and Michael Wobcke DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A JEWELLERY RETAILER? (Michelle) I inherited a diamond from my grandmother when I was younger and from that moment my passion for diamonds was born and grew over the coming years.

Both my brother Michael and I were running our own businesses and felt like we had achieved all we wanted and were ready for a lifestyle change (Michael was a web-site designer and I was a photographer). So combining our various skills we decided to commence with our business plan for Diamonds On Richmond.

Initially we had the vision of a big retail shop, specialising in engagement rings and wedding bands. However as our plan evolved we saw a need for private, one-on-one consultations in a relaxed atmosphere, where we fully educate people on diamonds and all the various aspects to consider when purchasing an engagement ring.

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

WHAT’S THE MOST UNUSUAL COMMISSION YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO DATE? They are too numerous to mention, but I had fun recently AURUM FINE JEWELLERY making an unusual pair of cufflinks with Braille initials, commissioned by the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind for the outgoing Governor General.

Continued on p32 PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY VALENTINE’S DAY FRAGRANCE FINDS IF YOU’RE PLANNING ON INVESTING in a possible romantic entanglement this Valentine’s Day, gifts don’t come much better than a beautiful, unique fragrance. With an emphasis on the “beautiful” and “unique” you’ll definitely be likely to impress, rather than appearing like you’ve run screaming through a department store ten minutes prior to picking up your date, arriving with a generic fragrance clutched in one sweaty paw.

comforts of the interior of a grey Aston Martin”, and has elements of excitement and danger, which is just how it should be, in a fragrance inspired by Bond’s car. The composition purrs softly along, weaving the leather accord into the road map of spices, woods and resins. Seriously fabulous and incredibly luxe, this fragrance is quite honestly to die for.

Just up the road at Mecca Cosmetica you’ll find some absolutely beautiful fragrances that walk a little on the edgy side, as well as some cult favourites that you just can’t beat – think brands like Byredo and Serge Lutens, as well as those by Parisian legends Diptyque. Lutens’ Un Bois Vanille is a truly sumptuous, all embracing parfum composed with Mexican black vanilla absolute, Sandalwood, Black Liquorice and Coconut milk.

It really has to be sniffed to be believed, and is a truly heady beast that will have you looming in for more.

There are a plethora of truly original scents out there if you really look for them, many of which you can pick up in Ponsonby, which is handy! I’ve come up with a few examples here of some that took my fancy, and just may grab your loved one’s attention too.

Mecca Cosmetica also has the Antonia’s Flowers range for something rich and floral, and it has a sweet backstory that I love. As a student, a young Antonia Bellanca studied art in Boston and then in France. It was in France, the markets of Aix and Paris, that she discovered all the wonderful varieties of flowers that she had up until then only seen in pictures - anemones, poppies, mimosa, freesia, and many more.

After returning to New York she opened her own florist in East Hampton in 1982. She named it “Antonia’s Flowers” and “it was a tribute to all the special gardens of my life.”

If you are looking for the ultimate gift for yourself or the fragrance fiend in your life, you can’t get much more luxe and fabulous than one of Puredistance’s three scents.

Created by Master Perfumers in London and New York and available as perfume extrait only (that’s 25-32 per cent perfume oil), Puredistance really is one of the most exclusive perfumes in the world. Currently you can choose from just three exquisite fragrances, which are sold in a very limited number of luxury stores and perfumeries worldwide. In New Zealand and Australia they are stocked exclusively by WORLDbeauty, where they retail for $479.00 for 17.5ml.

Wanting to recreate the scent that hit her customers when they walked in her doors, she worked with a parfumer to create her first fragrance, and soon others followed.

Tiempe Passate is the jewel in the crown, and at $450 plus is definitely at the luxurious end of the spectrum. Extremely decadent and sensual, the unique, feminine fragrance is named after a love song Antonia’s grandfather wrote, and is a deliciously musky, floral scent with its key notes being Cedarwood, Amber, Clementine, Bergamot and Montauk Rose. It comes packaged in a custom made bottle and hand made box with stopper and pump, and is sure to impress.

My personal favourite is Puredistance M, which is an oriental, leather chypre in an insanely chic bottle. Created in London by Roja Dove, the world’s only Professeur de Parfums and one of the biggest fragrance authorities, M is inspired by “the stylish

Keep an eye out for something different to a celebrity scent this Valentine’s Day people – you know you want to! (HELENE RAVLICH) PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

31

 VALENTINES DAY 14 FEBRUARY Continued from p30 WHAT PIECE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR PARTNER FOR VALENTINE’S DAY IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT? A pink diamond ring - beautiful to look at and getting rarer by the day.

YOUR JEWELLERY-RELATED TIP FOR PONSONBY NEWS READERS? Unique pieces made and designed for you should cost no more than off the shelf, high street jewellery.

James McCarty JAMES MCCARTY JEWELLER HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A JEWELLER? In the ‘80s my father had the largest jewellery manufacturing business in Australasia, supplying to some 2,500 retailers worldwide.

From the age of about eight years or so I can remember mucking around in his factory.

I served my apprenticeship with him and then went on to study at London Guildhall University and the prestigious McCabe McCarty Goldsmiths in UK - the rest is history!

JAMES MCCARTY JEWELLER

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR CRAFT? I get to meet fascinating people all over the world and locally – every customer is different.

I love the moment in a consultation when the ‘perfect’ design comes into my mind for a client and the final delivery of the finished piece - seeing the delight and happiness evident in my client’s reaction to their commissioned piece.

This is the beginning of a long relationship with my customers.

WHAT’S THE MOST EXCITING COMMISSION YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO DATE? I’d have to say my London commissions are the cream of the crop. 18ct gold helicopters, elaborate eggs and binoculars set with hundreds of Carats of yellow and white diamonds - these are the treasures of the next century!

WHAT PIECE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR PARTNER FOR VALENTINE’S DAY IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT? A pair of 2 ct Oval Cut Diamond Stud earrings.

WHAT PIECE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR PARTNER FOR VALENTINE’S DAY IF YOU HAD TO WATCH YOUR BUDGET? A simple rose gold diamond-set bangle.

YOUR JEWELLERY-RELATED TIP FOR PONSONBY NEWS READERS? Be unique and Individual. Think outside traditional jewellery fashions when choosing a special piece. Save up and buy something nice!

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

Jared Robertson (Jargo the Jeweller) Studio Manager AUCKLAND RING COMPANY AUCKLAND RING COMPANY

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A JEWELLER? I aspired to become a graphic designer and proceeded to train as one after leaving school. I soon realised that I needed more hands-on, solid creation and with some steering from friends and family I moved to Auckland to study at the Peter Minturn Goldsmith School. From there I was off and racing and very happy with my career choice.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR CRAFT? Every day is different. Whether it be designing pieces one to one with clients, working on repairs, designing and drawing concepts, it’s always keeping you on your toes and at the end of the day it’s a happy trade. People have jewellery because it will either bring them happiness or someone they love happiness and it’s just nice to be part of that day to day.

WHAT’S THE MOST UNUSUAL COMMISSION YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO DATE? A few years ago I was approached by my friend Grant at GT Refinishers to see if I would be interested in making a custom bonnet badge for one of his client’s cars.

Always keen for a challenge I happily said yes and through some grunt and grind we got the badge and the car complete on a tight deadline for the car to win bodywork of the year at the 4 and Rotary Nationals car show. It aways fun being able to use your skills for more than just traditional jewellery.

WHAT PIECE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR PARTNER FOR VALENTINE’S DAY IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT? I am a big fan of Making Mokume Gane, the Japanese technique of fusing multiple layers of coloured metal together and manipulating them to create woodgrain-like patterns - much like stretching boiled lollies. A nice thick bangle in 18ct Red Gold, Platinum and Palladium with pave set white and black diamonds in the respective coloured metals, leaving a nice rosy pink accenting through. That would seem fitting for Valentines Day - I’d be happy.

YOUR JEWELLERY-RELATED TIP FOR PONSONBY NEWS READERS? Think of your jewellery as you think of your car. If you were to damage the car, you are more than likely off to the mechanic quick smart to get it looked at. Same goes with your jewellery. Please feel free to ring, write or call in if you have had a bit of a ding to a ring or the like. We are more than happy to do a ‘warrant of fitness’ to get it up and running smoothly and out the door sparkling. It’s never a good look to have your engine/diamond fall out.

“This diamond has so many carats it’s almost a turnip.” ~ Richard Burton PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

33

 LOCAL NEWS AUCKLANDERS USE OF OIL RECYCLING TRIAL ACCELERATING MORE THAN 120,000 LITRES OF AUCKLAND HOUSEHOLDS’ USED ENGINE OIL was recycled in the first six months of a trial oil recovery scheme initiated by Auckland Council, with even better results expected in the future.

Auckland Council Infrastructure and Environmental Services Manager John Dragicevich says about 125,000 litres of used engine oil and 8,000kg of associated plastic was recycled in the six months to the end of August, via free drop-off bins introduced around the region. “These results are a great start and, based on anecdotal feedback plus a recent survey, we’re confident we’ll have even better results to report for the six months to March, especially as DIY mechanics are typically more active during spring and summer.”

Mr Dragicevich says Auckland households generate an estimated 655,000 litres of recoverable waste oil each year and the pilot scheme - launched in February with support from the Ministry for the Environment and industry partners - provides an easy, free solution for its safe disposal.

Auckland Council Waste Minimisation Project Advisor SANDI MURRAY and Segedins Auto Spares Co-director IVAN SEGEDIN SR with the oil recovery bin now available at the Dominion Road store

“In the past few weeks a number of the drop-off locations have asked for their bins to be emptied ahead of schedule. In addition, a recent survey of Aucklanders purchasing engine oil found many had used the service or indicated they would in future,” he says. “Given this, we’re confident we’ll have good results to report for the second six months.”

Under the three-year pilot, people simply need to put their used engine oil in a sealed, leak-proof and preferably recyclable container and then put that in one of the free oil recovery bins available at Repco stores around the region, Total Oil’s office in East Tamaki and Segedins Auto Spares in Mt Eden. The oil is then recycled under Ministry of the Environment-approved product stewardship schemes. PN For more information about the used oil recovery pilot project, which may lead to a national roll-out, visit www.oilrecycling.org.nz.

CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO BE IN

THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES? If your business falls under the following headings, THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES are for you. ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱

Architects/Designers Automotive/Car Parts/Panelbeaters Builders/Construction Cabinet Makers Computers/IT Consultants Drycleaners/Clothing Alterations Electricians/Audio Gardeners/Landscape Designers Glaziers Handyman/Hardware Suppliers Hire Services Painters/Paint Suppliers Picture Framers Printers/Designers/Signage Plumbers/Drain Layers Shoe Repairs Tyres

With a readership of 67,000* per month (except January) the LOCAL SERVICES pages in the back of Ponsonby News are becoming increasingly popular as a mini directory of suppliers.

In 2012 we are developing this section into THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES. We produce 17,000 print copies of Ponsonby News, which are distributed on the first Friday of each month (excluding January).

Along with the print version, the magazine is also available as a high resolution eMag on our website... www.ponsonbynews.co.nz Book a consecutive six-month campaign 1/8 page colour ad and get the discounted black & white rate $235.00+GST per insertion.

PLUS receive a FREE 120 word editorial with your sixth advert.

CALL Jo Barrett on T: 09 361 3356 M: 021 324 510 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz * NIELSEN MEDIA RESEARCH

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)



LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

GET A ROOM A VERY INNOVATIVE PONSONBY BASED BUSINESS WAS launched in October last year. Get a Room is the brainchild of bright young thing, twenty-one year old Veronica Nobbs. She was one of the first graduates to emerge from New Zealand’s first Business Secondary School at Onehunga High, then did a Bachelor of Business at AUT. As part of the Business School she qualified for a ten day intensive learning programme in New York and then spent six months studying in Budapest after receiving an Education New Zealand Study Abroad Award plus the AUT University International Exchange Scholarship. Business guru and founder of the school,Tony Falkenstein is impressed with her venture. “Get a Room has the potential to grow into a very successful business, both in New Zealand and overseas.”

When working at Jasons Travel Media as a market analyst she was aware of trends in the industry internationally. She found that booking times for hotel stays were getting shorter and shorter. There are still those who book six months ahead but increasingly people were booking just the day before travelling or even on the same day. Booking travel on the internet is par for the course these days and with the almost universal use of mobile phones and the role they are playing why not have a mobile platform providing a similar service?

The internet has paved the way for more ready acceptance of digital products and Veronica, seeing a gap in the market, decided to go for it. In her words, “I packed in the job to give it a go because if I saw something similar happening some time down the track I’d be furious because it could have been me!”

To start with, Veronica funded the venture herself then she teamed up with Andrew Main who has recently returned from China where he was doing commercial sales.

They contracted the development itself to a company that did the coding required and now they are firmly on the way.

This is how it works. Get a Room is an iPhone application that makes it quick and easy to book quality accommodation in three of five, four and three star hotels in Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua and Queenstown. Unless there’s a big conference on, hotels usually have a sixty percent occupancy so every midday, discounted room options become available. Get a Room negotiates an excellent rate each morning with its list of partner hotels and gets a distressed rate on the price, which is then passed on to the customer with Get a Room taking a small fee.

Jucy Hotels was one of the first to sign up and CEO Tim Alpe says, “This is a very smart initiative that will be great for the hotel industry. The kind of rates we offer through Get a Room, we can only offer on the day itself and this provides us with a mobile platform to pass these rates directly on to the public”.

The application is only available on iPhone and is aimed at business travellers and late night revellers who need accommodation at very short notice. Because the rooms are booked so late, Get a Room is able to negotiate unbeatable rates. Veronica gave me a demonstration of how it works and I was amazed. Punters can view the rooms and amenities on their iPhone so they know exactly what they are in for and the rate will be much cheaper than if they had booked through the Internet. If someone is not comfortable with putting their credit card details on the application, Get a Room will take telephone bookings.

Similar models are popping up overseas but only in the past year and a hotel consortium in China launched one a couple of months ago that is blasting the market there. Apart from China there’s nothing else in the Southern Hemisphere so Get a Room is on the ground floor and is launching in Australia in February. Veronica knows she has a great product and now it’s all about creating awareness. To this end, Get a Room is giving away a $15 free credit for anyone who ‘likes them’ on facebook.

Veronica is a shining example of the fact that Kiwis can do anything! Further details can be found at www.facebook.com/nzgetaroom. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

STRIKE A POSE, NEW ZEALAND’S MOST ORIGINAL LIFE DRAWING CLASS IMAGINE A GLASS OF BUBBLES IN ONE HAND, A PENCIL IN THE OTHER, AS A gorgeous nude model strikes a pose. Set in a creative studio, an expert tutor will guide you through a highly developed Life Drawing class. To attend one of these classes you don’t have to be an artist or know how to draw, but you do need to know how to have a fantastic time... they will take care of the rest!

The team at Strike A Pose will teach you how to draw the beautiful nude form with their easy to follow techniques. Our informative and interactive classes run for two hours and include a tutor, music, games, fun, frivolity, art supplies and a model. Classes are designed to stimulate creative energy while being entertaining and not to mention a little revealing. They deliver the event New Zealand wide. It can be held in one of their many creative studios, at your place of work or in a conference venue. And, of course the event is indoors so there is no need to worry about the weather.

If you are looking for something unique for your Conference, Team Building, Hen’s Party, Birthday or any other occasion Strike A Pose will tailor the event to your specific needs. PN To discuss your requirements, call Sasha or Amanda on M: 021 843 943, or email info@strikeapose.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

35

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY NOT SO COMPLICATED SECRETS REVEALED WHETHER IT IS IN SPORT OR IN BUSINESS, ONE OF THE BIGGEST SKILLS that sets a good coach apart from an amazing one, is knowing how and what triggers your team to perform at their best. As the line between professional and amateur continues to blur in the sporting world, the pressure and ability to get this right is becoming even more heavily scrutinised. One of those at the forefront of making changes in this area is sports psychologist Gilbert Enoka. Enoka has worked with a raft of individuals and organisations helping them transition into becoming world beaters, including the All Blacks.

Following the tragic earthquakes in Christchurch both the Crusaders and the Wizards (Canterbury cricket team) called upon the skills of Enoka to try and assist their sides in dealing with those events. When the Wizards followed their rugby counterparts into the final of their respective competition, I went in search of the answers to a question that had made me stop in amazement: what is it that’s taken place within these squads that’s allowed them to perform at the highest level despite the continued disruptions.

In almost a parallel situation across the Tasman, the devastating floods that swept through Queensland seem to have only inspired their sporting entities to also do the same. Their Super Rugby, state rugby league, netball, and football teams all banked titles within a year of that tragic event.

In order to make sense of it all I called up Gilbert Enoka to explain. “From the outside looking in, you’re right, most people would easily accept a team not performing anywhere near their capabilities, but in fact within the team the opposite often occurs” said Enoka. “Emotion is a funny thing and when you treat it like a tool rather than as just a feeling you can control it in such a way it begins to work for you rather than you working for it. When I first talked to the teams following the events my focus was to normalise the events as quickly as I possibly could, and get the players to process that.

However, since the events have continued to occur my approach is now to not focus on them being a part of normal everyday life, but to accept them as major events that will inevitably happen. People deal with stress in so many different ways but if your initial reaction isn’t to panic you’ll find it so much easier to deal with, no matter how big or how long the situation goes on for,” said Enoka.

“The same occurs in life as it does during a game, break your day down into whatever increments suit you and work from a start point to an end point then do it again and again. By doing this you’ll learn the issues are easy to overcome as they don’t seem so big. Don’t get me wrong, Enoka explained, these teams are made up of exceptional athletes, they are at the top of their game and are there for a very good reason, but as they are a sports star, there are plenty of mothers that are stars also, plenty of taxi drivers that are great at what they do - what I’m trying to say is if the same practices are included in your everyday life you can be a more relaxed, easygoing person which leads to you achieving whatever you desire.”

“There is a saying - How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. There’s nothing startling about what these guys are doing except to say they’ve got this part of their game right.” (GEORGE BERRY) PN

YOUNG HEARTS GET THEIR CHANCE TWO OF AUCKLAND’S BRIGHTEST YOUNG FEMALE CRICKETERS HAVE just embarked on a life changing campaign with the New Zealand Women’s side, the White Ferns. Katie Perkins (23) and Maddy Green (19) have just flown out with the Ferns to contest the Rose Bowl in Australia, against the World Champions. The fourteen-strong Kiwi squad will play five Twenty20 matches against the old enemy as well as three One Day games over a whirlwind two week tour. Green and Perkins have been rewarded for their superb seasons with the Auckland Hearts where they captured the One Day competition and were runners up in the twenty-over format.

Both players come out of the Cornwall club and have amazingly similar playing profiles. They’re both middle-order right handed batsman and bowl right arm medium pace as well as being very adept in the field. Their well groomed skills have continually impressed New Zealand Cricket national selector Kim Littlejohn throughout their fruitful first class seasons. Littlejohn revealing they’ve had an eye on Green since she started progressing through the age grades. “She’s been on the radar for some time and deserves her chance after impressing for the Auckland Hearts in the Action Cricket Twenty20 competition where she has hit 150 runs at an average of 37.50.”

Littlejohn was just as glowing about the athletic Perkins who he felt brought an array of skills to the fore. “Katie Perkins also demanded a spot in the squad with strong performances in the domestic competition. In seven Twenty20 innings Perkins has hit 126 runs and only been dismissed once. Her batting, along with her world-class fielding, has played a major part in the success of the Hearts this season.” Perkins herself however, was full of praise for her wonderful Auckland team mates; “I think that everyone stepping up as a team for the Hearts has made my job a lot easier. Having the top order scoring runs and setting a foundation means you can come in and finish things off with real confidence and without so much pressure - it’s been a great atmosphere to play in.”

It’s unclear how much game time the uncapped pair will get in a side still bulging with experience. New captain Suzie Bates will get her first test in charge after taking over from Aimee Watkins who retired in July last year. Regardless of how many balls they bowl or face, the young Auckland duo will no doubt benefit from playing with and against the worlds best. They’ll get the chance to play on some of world cricket’s most iconic grounds, such as Melbourne’s MCG and Sydney’s SCG. They’ll also have a golden opportunity to witness the best of the best first hand when the women play the curtain raiser to the Australian and Indian Men’s Twenty20 international near the end of the series.

It’s quite simply a dream come true for the fresh faced 19 year old Green, “ever since I found out as a five year old that there was a New Zealand team that you could play for I’ve wanted to be in it, so this is an amazing feeling.” If the Auckland youngsters can impress on tour they can look forward to possibly playing in front of their friends and family in the black strip when England tour here later this summer. (GEORGE BERRY & WILLY NICHOLLS) PN

CHANGE NOT ALWAYS GOOD FOR EVERYONE WHILST THE CHANGES TO THE SUPER CITY LOOK TO HAVE GONE THROUGH relatively smoothly there are without a doubt some people still feeling on the outer.

I’m sure there are a lot of issues that have surfaced but the ill directed attack on the Western Springs Speedway is one that has gripped people from not only Auckland, but all over the country and even around the world.

Back in 2004 a group of speedway enthusiasts put together a campaign to save the speedway and everything it stood for. A petition backed by over fifty thousand people was delivered to the then Auckland City council and the intended changes sidelined.

Unfortunately those same issues have once again reared their ugly head and the future of the 80 plus year old track is very much in jeopardy. I find it a shame that people place so much emphasis on saving a tree whether it’s native or not but seem oblivious to the history and meaning that a place like the Western Springs Speedway holds.

We need diversity in our community - that’s what Ponsonby is about, many different ideas, different ethnicities and socially evolved people make up this area and the speedway deserves to stay and function as a valued part of this community.

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

Simply as much as the screeching monkeys at the nearby zoo, the oversized exhaust attached to the undersized car blasting down Ponsonby Road or the buses that pull out in front of you as you drive about town, everything has a place.

There have already been significant changes to the events staged at the Western Springs Speedway, including dramatic noise reductions (which to me seems quite unfair that they have restrictions imposed when a concert like the Foo Fighters can go to whatever level they wish) and the number of events staged has been slashed by more than half of what used to be.

The renewal of the lease on the grounds is coming up, so by that stage I’m sure we’ll all find out exactly whether the council and some of the residents have won this argument. But if that is the case, then it would certainly be a crying shame in my opinion. If history is as important to you as it is to me then I urge you to get behind the cause and add your support to the petition to keep the speedway operating.

The petition can easily be found at www.speedway club.co.nz/sign petition.php (GEORGE BERRY) PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

AN ISSUE WORTH SOLVING The summer may have forgotten it had a duty to show up this year but when and if it does, like most, I’ll be heading to the beach or pool. But unfortunately one of the main causes of accidental death in children in New Zealand involves water.

As a nation surrounded by water I guess that’s a possible reason, but not a valid excuse and for that reason alone I feel we should have a better understanding around water. I was lucky enough to have grown up and attended a primary school that had its own swimming pool but unfortunately as pressure builds on New Zealand real estate the likelihood of this continuing as a given looks to be getting slimmer and slimmer.

Swimming New Zealand along with a number of others have identified this also and have put together plenty of tools to help assist in this area.

Swim for life, teaching people to swim with a disability and swim safe are just a couple of resourses provided on the swim NZ website to help. DVD’s, skill sheets and easy to use documents that help with the basics are all available and it is certainly worthwhile looking over these resources.

Plenty of pools provide lessons at a cost. But the fact of the matter is once you’ve learnt to swim, it’s a skill you’ll keep with you for the rest of your life, no matter where you are in the world you can use it... and swimming is also a great way to exercise. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

LULULEMON ATHLETICA OPENS IN FORMER ‘NEST’ PREMISES Yoga-inspired athletic apparel company lululemon athletica has moved from a temporary space at the Western Park end of Ponsonby Road, to the large space formerly occupied by Nest.

Creating “components for people to live long, healthy and fun lives,” the originally Canadian brand believes that making products which help keep people active and stress free will make the world a better place. lululemon is considered to be a bar -setter in technical fabrics and functional designs, working with yogis and athletes in local communities for continuous research and product feedback. lululemon’s CEO for Australia and New Zealand is New Zealand-born David Lawn, who has lived in Melbourne for a number of years, and has long wanted to bring the brand to his home country. PN LULULEMON ATHLETICA, 239 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 9342 www.lululemon.com

DON’T MISS THE MARCH PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE

COPY DEADLINE: Monday, 20 February PUBLISHED: Friday, 2 March (Please be on time, as any material arriving after deadline may incur a 20% surcharge)

SPECIAL FEATURES: VIVA ITALIA – ITALIAN INFLUENCES + FOCUS ON KINGSLAND + FASHION / NEW SEASON SHOES + TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ask about our special positions!

Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or T: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

New advertisers receive 250 words of editorial when booking a minimum of a quarter page advertisement.

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

37

1

2

photography: Michael McClintock

3

AN APPRECIATED APPRECIATION The Franklin Road lights are done and dusted. Santa Clause has delivered x-boxes and play stations to the digitalised young fry. Holiday makers have returned from rain drenched camping grounds. The children are back at school and we breathe a sigh of relief at the return of normalcy.

The Xmas season gives rise to an extra anxiety for some Franklin Road residents.

Namely those who don’t have the wherewithal to put on an extravagant light show. Such a one, an elderly lady who lives on her own and can only afford a very modest effort was delighted to receive a message in her letterbox that read as follows.

THANK YOU! For your wonderful contribution to the Franklin Road Lights. It has been a great season and again proves that you don’t have to have the most expensive or extensive decoration to make a splash, but it’s the thought of the gift to the city that counts. We are proud the event is put on purely as a voluntary and freely given gift to the people of Auckland and shows that you don’t have to have a committee and rules to put on a successful event to be appreciated by tens of thousands of Aucklanders once again. THANK YOU (DEIRDRE ROELANTS)

FRANKLIN ROAD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 1. Ross Thorby; 2. Nikki Kaye; 3. Dick Frizzell; 4. Janet Wilson and Bill Ralston.

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Michael McClintock

4

OUT + ABOUT The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

39

Members of the WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD outside the Rob Roy Hotel, Freemans Bay

A NEW ZEALAND FIRST - THE PONSONBY CROQUET CLUB THE EXACT ORIGINS OF CROQUET ARE SHROUDED IN THE mists of time. Some chronicles relate that thirteenth century French peasants first played it using rough-hewn mallets to whack wooden balls through hoops made from willow branches. As with most good things, the upper orders soon appropriated the game and called it “paillle-maille”. Louis XIV was so addicted that when winter descended he had a facsimile miniature lawn set up on an indoor table which evolved into billiards.

The game crossed the channel when James VI of Scotland took a set to London. His grandson, Charles II loved the game and because he played in St James Park, a nearby street was named Pall Mall. At French instigation “croquet” eventually supplanted “pall mall”. However apocryphal these and many other like stories, what we do know for certain is that Ponsonby was home to Auckland’s first Croquet Club.

Club saw no advantage in maintaining the Croquet Club area and a motion was passed to ‘regretfully authorise the demise of croquet from the Ponsonby bowling green forever’.

Vincent Commarieu manages an IT company on College Hill and some atavism must lurk in his psyche because like his country’s forbears, he loves to whack balls through hoops at the Epsom/Remuera Croquet Club. Now Vince is not a willowy Frenchman with floppy straight hair and chiselled cheekbones. He’s built like a rugby forward and plays his chosen game with similar ferocity, so much so that he was called upon to represent France at the World Croquet Tournament held in Christchurch 2008. Vince belies the commonly held view that croquet is an old person’s game. As does student member of the same club, Hamish McIntosh, who was selected to compete in the 2011 World Tournament held in the UK where he did New Zealand proud.

Local croquet suffragettes pushed for community space to play their Unlike many sports clubs, croquet does not have a drinking culture sport because women were excluded from playing bowls, so at and offers travel opportunities to young players like Hamish, when the 1897 opening of the Ponsonby Bowling Club, it was graciously VINCENT COMMARIEU they begin to excel at the sport. Pool players, and there are plenty announced that croquet lawns would be provided for the use of of them found in Ponsonby pubs, are probably unaware their game members’ wives and daughters! In 1906 the Observer records the ‘recently formed originated in India. During the rainy season croquet players devised an indoor game, Ponsonby Croquet Club opened their lawns which are beautifully situated on high and like Louis XIV’s billiards, it developed into snooker. Those pub players would be well ground on Seymour Street with a lovely view of the harbour. Guests were treated to a advised to consider using their skills on beautiful green grass instead of beer stained dainty afternoon tea contributed by members, which was greatly enjoyed.’ The article baize. Aesthetically the game can’t be beaten, except maybe by golf. The closest club goes on to describe the ladies’ outfits - a white embroidered dress, with a green silk to Ponsonby is Epsom/Remuera on Gillies Avenue that has five magnificent lawns belt and hat etc. surrounded by beautiful trees with a backdrop of high stone walls. Outside rush hours the club can be reached from Ponsonby in under ten minutes. White clothing is no A 1919 Observer article describes the opening day of the club’s new lawns that were longer mandatory and membership fees are modest so it’s a very inexpensive pastime acknowledged as second to none in Auckland. This time a ‘bountiful afternoon tea was that can be played for fun or sport by all ages and genders. served on a table beautifully decorated with Argentine sweet pea and daisies arranged in handsome epergnes and vases’. Once again the feminine attire was formal to say Should this article spark a reader’s interest just get in touch with yours truly at the least. The president must have cut quite a dash in a black and white cheque dress, deir@orcon.net.nz and I will facilitate an introduction to this classy sport enjoyed by black and white striped sports coat, and a black velvet hat. Sadly, in 1918 the Bowling kings of yore. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY ROB ROY WAS ALL WRAPPED UP FOR CHRISTMAS The Rob Roy Hotel was decked out for the holidays, adding to the festive spirit of the Franklin Road Christmas lights in Freemans Bay. The lighting of the iconic hotel was funded by the Waitemata Local Board which supports the popular Franklin Road Christmas Lights residents’ event.

The building is being refurbished by its owner, the New Zealand Transport Agency as part of the Victoria Tunnel project and is swathed in plastic to weatherproof it while the building’s roof is replaced.

The Board recently named the new plaza under construction in front of the hotel, Wai-atarau Plaza.

Local Board Chair Shale Chambers says the new name reflects the history of the area. “The site marks the original foreshore of Freemans Bay, known as Waiatarau, which means ‘place of reflecting waters’,” says Mr Chambers.

Previously, the plaza was utilised by Auckland Transport for paid public car parking. The new area will comprise paved walking and seating areas and will be a great new open space for residents in the area. The paving of the plaza will have patterns which reflect its shoreline history. PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

41

ALICE SHOPLAND: ANGEL FOOD

KIRSTY’S CARAMEL SLICE An easy dairy-free sweet treat. This taste reminds me of Toffee Pops, although I haven’t had one for about eight years, so I may be completely wrong!

BASE 1 cup of flour 125 grams of Olivani (or other dairy-free margarine) ½ cup brown sugar 1 cup rolled oats TOPPING 1 can caramel sweetened condensed soya milk 125 grams dark chocolate (I used half a block of Whittakers) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I used coconut oil) • Pre-heat oven to 180C. • Melt the margarine.

• Stir in the flour, sugar and oats and stir well to combine.

• Press into a 20cm square baking dish lined with baking paper.

• Bake for about 20 minutes until base is golden brown.

• Pour the caramel soy condensed milk over the top and bake for a further 20 minutes so the caramel thickens.

• Melt the chocolate and stir in the oil.

• Spread it on top of the caramel.

Set in fridge completely before lifting it out of the baking dish and cutting it – you may need to dip the knife in hot water for a tidy cut. PN www.angelfood.co.nz

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

WHAT’S HOT AT SABATO

CHAPEL’S SPECIAL, COUPLES ONLY VALENTINES NIGHT QUIZ HONEY, SHOULD I WEAR HEELS OR FLATS TONIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT? WHICH BAG should I wear? Do these jeans make my bum look big? Fellas, if you want to avoid the really hard questions this Valentine’s night, there’s only one option, and that’s to register you and your beloved for Chapel’s special, couples only Valentine’s Night Quiz.

Not only will the love-themed quiz provide a fun alternative to the clichéd annual red rose dinner, there are great romantic prizes to be won for those who prove themselves to be more cupid than stupid, including an Air New Zealand mystery trip for two with airfares and accommodation, and a case of Tohu Rewa Rewa Marlborough Blanc de Blanc.

Chapel Quizmaster turned Lovemaster Thane Kirby will be on the mic from 7pm, and has guaranteed to perform for no more and no less than an hour and a half, including a bit of gentle foreplay to get things going. So with an 8.30 finish, if you can resist the temptation of ordering some of Chapel’s sharing plates and treats from the snack menu during the quiz, there’s still plenty of time to stay and enjoy that romantic dinner afterwards.

You don’t need to bring flowers, car keys, handcuffs or a safe word to this special Valentine’s night event, however you do need to register ASAP. So to avoid disappointment on the night, dust off that old hidden copy of the Karma Sutra and promise your other half a Valentine’s night unquestionably like no other this year.

E: chapel@xtra.co.nz PN

MACHOS PINTXOS WITH PETA MATHIAS Tuesday 21 February, 6.30pm, $95.00 Boy oh boy(s), have we got a treat in store for you… Pleasure your palate with pintxos - the Basque region’s answer to tapas - as Grey Lynn resident and passionate gastronomad Peta Mathias kicks off the year with this men’s only cooking class.

This demonstration of desirable little Spanish dishes will no doubt be peppered with useful advice and hilarious anecdotes (plus the odd sex tip or two!) delivered with Peta’s signature wit.

Showing that size doesn’t matter (especially when it comes to food), this promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening full of food, wine and entertainment. The perfect Valentine’s gift for the bloke in your life!

And ladies, don’t think we’ve left you out of the fun! The fabulous Food Editor of Dish magazine, Claire Aldous, is teaching our next class on 6 March. See our website for all the details, and keep in mind that gift vouchers for all our cooking classes are now available. See you there! PN The team at SABATO, 57 Normanby Road T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

43

THE ‘MISS JONES’ INTERVIEW

MAKE AUCKLAND FAIRTRADE Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

Already Dunedin and Wellington have become Fairtrade cities and are reaping the benefits and the London Fairtrade steering group is responsible for making the 2012 Olympics a Fairtrade event.

Kirsten Morrell is part of a movement that is helping Auckland to become the world’s first Fairtrade super city.

Kirsten is on the steering group Make Auckland Fairtrade, which has created a campaign to join us with the international movement that has inspired transition towns in the UK – whole cities that are integrated with Fairtrade. It’s a movement that encourages us to think local, buy local and be ethical consumers and has helped turn unhealthy cities into friendly, eco communities where people stop and think about what and how they are purchasing.

Kirsten moved to Ponsonby in her teens having spent her childhood in Cornwall. There she was active with music and singing and competed in inter county children’s music competitions. In New Zealand she continued to sing and to perform with the Auckland Youth Theatre and then when she went to University, met the guys who would be part of the band Goldenhorse. “We put the band together for a friends wedding then before long we were going to band practice instead of lectures. We played gigs in a warehouse and got popular so we started playing professionally, touring Germany, England and here. It was incredibly fun”.

Now she is involved with music and children via the Ukulele Trust set up by Mary Cornish, the music teacher at Bayfield School. Kirsten says “My teachers instilled in us verve for music which is something I still have. This trust helps children access instruments in schools so no one misses out. They learn notation, play instruments and sing songs”. She is still involved with theatre having just completed a demo to promote a new production of the 1970s anti-vivisection musical ‘Petty Crime’. She released her solo album Ultraviolet in 2010 and sang her first Operatic solo with Tama Waipara and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra as part of their composer’s series in 2011.

The concept of ‘fair trade’ started in the 1970s and a formal labelling system was implemented in the late 1980s. Independent third party certification was an important step in ensuring better prices and decent working conditions for farmers. “I remember when I was living in London, Fairtrade products were a little bit posh, a little bit special and people who used the products were aware they were making a difference to life in a third world country.” They were starting to think twice about where their produce was coming from and the effects of this on society, communities and the environment.

By making Auckland a Fairtrade city, we become part of a larger community that gives us wider consumer choice. Big businesses have strategies so we, as consumers, just buy what they want us to buy so they can make money. Ask yourself why you buy a particular brand. Is it because you’ve been taken in by marketing and PR to consume that product? Being aware of where what you buy comes from can help others make a decent living.

With the popularity of local farmers markets and community gardens in Auckland and the many Fairtrade products now available on our supermarket shelves, we are fast on the way to becoming a Fairtrade city. We only need 280 shops selling Fairtrade products and a similar amount of businesses, schools and churches supporting and promoting Fairtrade for this to work. By the council allowing Auckland to become Fairtrade, the consumer has more choice. It’s a win/win situation for the council as it allows economic growth, creates jobs and recognises New Zealand as partaking in an international ethical philosophy.

Kirsten says “variety is the spice of life and if you want to take part in putting people first and making your choices count, you can do that by supporting businesses that make trading fairly part of what they do well’. For more information go to www.fairtradeauckland.org (REBECCA JONES) PN

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR THE SURREY HOTEL Many of you will remember the Quality Inn West End in Grey Lynn, well they recently re-branded it as The Surrey Hotel.

Situated next to Surrey Crescent and with its old English feel, The Surrey Hotel is the perfect name. Their new signage reflects a contemporary and modern twist on the traditional pub.

Not only has the hotel been given a new name they also have a new chef recently join them. Executive Chef Craig Hughes joined The Surrey Hotel in November 2011 and since then has been busy designing and implementing fantastic new menus for the restaurant, bar and the banqueting area.

In over 30 years of dedication to his profession and the food industry, Craig has held numerous positions as Head Chef with various restaurants around Auckland as well as in Tonga, Sydney and London. His skill and expertise as a chef and his love for food are complemented by his extensive knowledge of cuisines from many cultures and their influences on New Zealand.

With a restaurant that seats 60 people and four conference rooms, which can double as private dining areas, Craig is kept busy. With the summer season comes the wedding season. If you are planning a wedding and want a local venue then The Surrey Hotel is the perfect location with accommodation and wedding reception facilities all under the one roof. Craig can help you plan your menu so you will have exactly what you want, and priced to suit your budget. PN THE SURREY HOTEL, 465 Great North Road, Grey Lynn T: 09 378 9059 reservations@thesurreyhotel.co.nz www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CAVALIER BACK IN 1865 JAMES CHAPMAN WAS GRANTED A LICENCE TO RUN A PUBLIC house on College Hill, Dedwood, later to be renamed Ponsonby. It was called the Suffolk Arms Hotel and was just one of more than a hundred pubs that flourished in Auckland at the time. In his book, ‘Tavern in the Town’, James McNeish writes, “The early inn was a meeting-place of everyman - his community centre. It was his social home and sporting club.”

The Suffolk was certainly a meeting place in the sparsely populated area. A very elderly man who once lived on College Hill told me that while the old Hydra Bacon Factory burned down he watched a river of rats running down the hill. Yuck! During the Suffolk’s early days a different river, one of water ran both in front and behind the pub when it rained. Nearby Cascade and Spring Streets were probably likewise inundated, hence their appellation!

Nevertheless, whatever the weather, folk struggled up the steep incline to community meetings. Even Coroners Inquests were often held there. This resulted in the Highways Board tar sealing the footpath to make it easier for people to attend. Entertainment was provided with darts or pool and there was also The Suffolk Hotel Social Club. The publican sponsored local sports clubs and a meeting held there in April 1910 resulted in the formation of Auckland Rugby League.

For many years The Suffolk was definitely a man’s world. Apart from the barmaid, women were conspicuous by their absence. The Women’s Temperance Union held great sway at the time and often for good reason. There came a change when hotel hours were extended from 6pm to 10pm and big barn-like bars came into being.

A man’s local sanctum was gone forever.

Over the years the Suffolk changed hands several times. In 1897 Sir John Logan Campbell’s firm, which owned hotels and breweries, merged with the Ehrenfield brothers from Thames and the Suffolk was part of the deal. For the next seventy years it was run by managers and in 1972 it was bought by Lion Breweries.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

Finally in 1990 it was leased to the current operators. So the Suffolk era ended after a hundred and twenty years with a name change to the Cavalier Tavern. Whatever the changes it remains a fine example of a historical pub in having the entrance door on the corner.

Council ordinances decreed that to get a publican’s licence, part of the requirements was to light the street “during the whole of every night, from sunset to sunrise”. This was a council cost saving exercise and pubs that were built on a corner or road junction were very much favoured because they placed their lamps on the corner of the building, lighting two streets instead of just one. The Cavalier has a fine example of such a lamp. Most of the remaining historical pubs in Auckland are situated on corners but over the years the corner entrances have been bricked up.

An early photograph hanging in the bar of the Cavalier shows that not much has been changed. The original wooden balcony has been restored on the exterior, adding appeal to what is basically a simple Victorian building that is one of the last remaining wooden pubs in Auckland. The stables and cobblestone wood-fired kitchen are still in place downstairs, but nowadays are used for storage.

The interior has been refurbished with great attention to its heritage. Gilt framed paintings and prints of Royalty, Military and Political flavour celebrating the British Empire era when the pub was first built, have pride of place on the walls.

The bar is made of wood recovered from a pulpit in a Bristol Church and above it a large Belgian sandstone cavalier sits appropriately on a wooden keg. Art Nouveau leadlights backing the bar were sourced from an old bakery in Sydney and small Victorian lamps light up the corners.

A recent addition is an exquisite, intricately carved New Zealand Kauri fireplace surround and mantel with a cavalier dominating the front panel.

I’m indebted to Martin Read, author of the Auckland Pub Guide for much of this information about an Auckland landmark and historic treasure.

(DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

45

LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

A SUMMER OF RIESLING IT ALL BEGAN IN 2008 WHEN PAUL GRIECO FROM TERROIR WINE BAR IN NEW York decided that he’d only serve Riesling by the glass – no Sauvignon, Chardonnay, nothing other than Riesling. Paul was in Auckland last month as part of New Zealand’s first ‘Summer of Riesling’ and I caught up with him at Didas on Jervois Road. Paul explained that it’s really spiralled out of control (in a great way); he’d started it just for a laugh, a humorous way of highlighting this noble variety that is often overlooked. It’s now grown into a worldwide movement that encourages the consumption, discussion and enjoyment of Riesling.

New Zealand’s Summer of Riesling is sponsored by the wineries themselves, Glengarry is the only retailer to be on board – through February we are running a series of Riesling Friday’s – where all stores will be hosting complimentary Riesling tastings. The biggest obstacle with Rieslings is the uncertainty of knowing exactly what you’ll find the bottle – will it be sweet, dry, low, fruity, kero notes – Riesling can do it all. The lack of clear labelling by wineries is one of the biggest challenges. To assist with this – all Glengarry stores have their Rieslings laid out on the shelves from dry to sweet, colour coded for ease (we’ve tasted them all to work it out!) This same scale appears on our web site.

The Riesling grape’s reputation has also been sullied in the past here in New Zealand as it was often thought of as a cheap sweet quaffing wine. This was due largely to over cropping and probably a lack of understanding as to what this superb variety can deliver.

Vineyard management is paramount in order for the Riesling grape to deliver its finest grapes. Over cropping was the biggest mistake that is made here and most wineries here in New Zealand have realised this and constantly crop thin in order for the grapes that are left to thrive. The other important factor is good old Mother Nature herself. In order for Riesling to ripen successfully warm days and cool nights are required at the end of the growing season this slows down the ripening somewhat and this is when the grape develops all of its lovely complex flavours whilst maintaining acidity which is necessary to give the wine structure.

Acidity. This is a word we throw around a lot when talking about Riesling. That’s because it’s the acid that gives a wine its structure and age ability. There are two types of acidity in Riesling: fruity, ripe tartaric and raw, unripe malic. It’s the balance of the two that determines if a wine is crisp and clean or just downright tart. Too little acidity makes for a wine that is soft and flabby.

The huge diversity in terms of style, is largely up to the winemaker and whether the wine is fermented out to a dry style or left with some residual sugar. In lots of ways we have almost come full circle in regard to style, where we started with sweet Rieslings these were often quite watered down and didn’t have any structure, we then went off on a dry tangent and emulated the Grand Cru wines from Alsace these were very dry and austere wines and although they are capable of aging even decades in the bottle they were very unfriendly and hence difficult for the buying public to get their head around.

Now we seem to have hit the perfect balance, Riesling are generally made in what we refer to as an “off dry” style these wines are just lovely as they have a definite presence of fruit but are not too sweet and they have a backbone of acidity that gives the wine fantastic structure, and they often have a nice crisp dry finish. The other bonus here is that these wines are also capable of aging really gracefully and these are wines that will reward those who are patient enough to cellar them for ten years or so. It is thought that Riesling doesn’t even start its maturing process for five years. So it is not just a pretty face our Riesling grape it is a serious contender for your cellar, especially if you are just starting one. (LIZ WHEADON) PN

THE GREY LYNN RSC IS YOUR ONLY REMAINING LOCAL RSC Located at 1 Francis Street, the Grey Lynn RSC is in a building that was once home to Grey Lynn Primary School and later a picture theatre and a movie production house. The Grey Lynn Returned Soldiers Club moved there in the 1930s.

The RSC needs your support. The RSC is not the formidable place where you cannot enter! You can be signed in by the manager to see if you enjoy the surrounds and what the RSC has to offer - 365 days of the year. The RSC boasts four large screened TVs making it a popular venue for watching live sports. Friday nights are busy with quality live dance bands such as the Larry Morris Band, The Alibis, Rebel Without Applause, the Brendon Ham Band and entertainers such as Tom Rodwell to name just a few.

There is a tasty and reasonably priced bistro kitchen open five days a week and on the menu you will find seafood platters and a range of pub style food. The upstairs room is perfect for private functions with a dance floor, bar and seating area and downstairs has a TAB service, a snooker table, pool tables, a juke box, and gaming machines.

Returned Services Clubs were formed when the RNZRSA would not allow Merchant Seamen to join as members after the war. For almost 80 years the Grey Lynn RSC has hosted the community on Anzac Day, however, the RNZRSA has now decreed that Grey Lynn can no longer have a Poppy Day. So in order to have a Poppy Day the RSC must join the RNZRSA, however, the club will not join the RNZRSA by being bullied into membership at a crippling financial outlay to their members. Despite being denied poppies on Poppy Day the spirit of Anzac will continue on at the Grey Lynn RSC. PN The RSC asks you to please join the club today to support this treasure in the community. www.greylynnrsc.org.nz

www.e-liz.co.nz www.glengarry.co.nz

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

EXCITE YOUR SENSES WITH SKYCITY ROMANCE LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE STUNNING TO TAKE THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE? Then why not indulge your Valentine with a romantic evening at SKYCITY Auckland.

For $95 per person, you can enjoy a three course set menu with a glass of Champagne this Valentine’s Day.

Enjoy an intimate pre-dinner drink at one of our many fabulous bars, followed by a romantic dinner at any of our fine selection of restaurants.

dine by Peter Gordon a chic, elegant and award winning restaurant is the perfect place to spoil your loved one. Enjoy a sumptuous six-course degustation menu with a glass of Champagne Mumm for $110 per person including valet parking.

Excite your senses and get the conversation flowing as you share a selection of delicious authentic Spanish tapas at Bellota on Federal Street. Voted ‘Best first drink on a first date (Top 5)’, it’s certainly a great place to start your night out.

Take dining to new heights when you discover the fabulous cuisine and breathtaking views at the Sky Tower’s revolving restaurant, Orbit.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

For the ultimate treat make a night of it and stay at the five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel – an oasis of luxury in the heart of the city. And a stay at the Grand is never complete without a relaxation and rejuvenation treatment from East Day Spa. PN For full details, visit www.skycity.co.nz

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

47

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY MONTEITH’S NATIONAL CIDER DAY LAUNCH PARTY AT SALE ST Kiw burgeoning love of cider will be Kiwi’s ccelebrated two days ahead of Valentine’s Day when Monteith’s launches the first ever ‘Monteith’s National Cider Day’ on Sunday 12 February.

Cider consumption is on the rise thanks to Kiwi’s new-found-love-affair with this fruity drop which Monteith’s first introduced two summers ago with Crushed Apple and Crushed Pear ciders. Since then cider sales have more than doubled with both men and ci women loving the more refreshing, alcohol option. wom It was this growing interest in cider that spurred Monteith’s into launching the inaugural ‘Monteith’s National Cider Day’ at Sale St www.sale-st.co.nz next month.

Monteith’s Alex Florian says Kiwis have taken to cider faster than apples and pears fall from trees. “We’re really excited about our first-ever Monteith’s National Cider Day and looking forward to sharing a few glasses with fellow cider fans at Sale St. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate cider either than on the newly-renovated deck at Sale St, relaxing in our apple and pear bean bags in the afternoon sun with a glass of ice cold Monteith’s Crushed Cider in hand while the DJ plays some great tunes.”

The party at Sale St. is open to the public and kicks off at 1pm. As an added bonus everyone that joins in the fun receives a complimentary glass of Monteith’s Crushed Cider on arrival. PN For more information on the Monteith’s National Cider Day event at Sale St. visit: www.facebook.com/monteiths

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EMILY SMART: WORD PERFECT AVOIDING AN APOSTROPHE CATASTROPHE APOSTROPHES, OR IS IT APOSTROPHE’S OR MAYBE IT’S APOSTROPHES’.

Who or what owns something and therefore needs an apostrophe? Is that ‘who or what’ more than one person or thing? Who knows/know’s/nose? And by now, I am starting to wonder who cares?!

I love language, good grammar, correct spelling and proper punctuation, full stop.

However, this doesn’t mean I am any good at it. Whilst I can usually see if a word is spelt wrong without the red underline of the computer spell check telling me, I struggle with getting apostrophes right. In fact this piece will have been checked fourteen times by our in-house proofreader before it gets anywhere near ready to go to print. She specifically asked me to write about apostrophes because I am so shocking at putting the buggers in the right place.

It’s not just me who gets frustrated by them. Over the years, people have expressed their irritation with apostrophes and have advocated dropping them altogether.

George Bernard Shaw, the famous playwright, called them ‘uncouth bacilli’. Others agreed that they were unnecessary, and that the context would resolve any ambiguity.

I can’t quite see this working myself. It’s a small mark, but it’s a powerful one and it can tell us a great deal. In the wrong place it can confuse and distract us from the sense of the writing. Take the case of it’s and its – the only time we need it’s with an apostrophe is when we want the shortened form of it is or it has, as in ‘It’s raining today’ or ‘It’s rained a lot this week’ ; otherwise, no apostrophe is needed and we say ‘the dog wagged its tail’ or ‘the bank closed its doors’.

So here goes with some top dos and don’ts when using the dear old apostrophe.

The next bit must be important because it’s in bold and capitals, so please remember this one simple rule: APOSTROPHES ARE NEVER EVER USED TO INDICATE PLURALS. Therefore, the following are all wrong: • Carrot’s and leek’s for sale • Free consultation’s given • MP’s are paid too much • 1000’s of items were sold • Menu’s available inside • Your photo’s are great

ONCE YOU’RE CLEAR ABOUT THIS, IT BECOMES EASIER TO UNDERSTAND THAT APOSTROPHES ARE USED IN TWO WAYS: 1. To indicate a missing letter or letters, as in: • I can’t instead of I cannot • They’re instead of they are • She won’t instead of she will not • It’s instead of it is or it has 2. To indicate ownership, as in: • The company’s logo • The client’s instructions

• The customer’s orders • The bank’s opening hours

If, in the above examples, the nouns are plural, that is, there are two or more companies, clients, customers and banks - then the apostrophe moves to after the s, as in: • The companies’ logos • The customers’ orders • The clients’ instructions • The banks’ opening hours Now just as you think ‘By Jove I think I’ve got it!’ the English language swiftly reminds you that there are exceptions to these rules. There are a few words which have irregular plurals, where the plural does not end in ‘s’, but in ‘en’, or where there is a change in the middle of the word as in ‘mice’, ‘teeth’ or ‘geese’, or where there is no change between singular and plural as in ‘sheep’.

In all these cases, the apostrophe comes before an added ‘s’: • The sheep’s fleeces • The children’s books • The geese’s habitat • The mice’s tails Confused? Yes I am slightly too. However, I believe that we live in an age of slack writing and laziness with grammar, of word abbreviations and the language of texting. It’s time to rise up and take the trouble to use language correctly with good grammar, accurate spelling and proper punctuation. We can make a start by giving the little squiggle under consideration the respect it deserves.

PS Anyone who knows me will realise that I had a heck of a lot of help writing this piece. Thank you Ange. (EMILY SMART) PN

YOU, YOUR VALENTINE AND YOUR WE-VIBE3 VALENTINE’S DAY IS A PERFECT TIME TO SPOIL THE ONE YOU LOVE WITH a gift that is special and intimate. It’s a time to celebrate the moments you share as a couple and enhance the connection between you. So what could be better than a pleasure object designed specifically for couples to enjoy together?

Prepare to be delighted, astounded and orgasmically enthralled by the latest toy for grownups –the We-Vibe 3. Operated by remote control this sensational toy allows you to turn your lover on from afar (within a three metre range). Designed to be worn while making love; the We-Vibe 3 gives pleasure and stimulation to both partners and features six vibrating and pulsating pleasure modes.

Why not step into the bath, shower or spa together and invite your fully waterproof We-Vibe 3 to join you? The possibilities are endless and that’s all part of the fun. It’s human nature to become comfortable with what we know and enjoy but sometimes couples need a kick start to experiment with new ways of sharing love and intimacy.

The We-Vibe 3 is the perfect catalyst for more fun and pleasure in your relationship... go on; indulge your lover this Valentine’s Day. PN D.VICE, 27 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 5599 www.dvice.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

49

FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON

BEAUTY JUNKIE’S VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE Choose a beauty store gift this Valentine’s Day and you are celebrating your partner’s femininity. Ponsonby News has selected little touches of luxury that are guaranteed to delight girly girls and womanly women…

AMOUAGE ‘GOLD’ WORLDbeauty says: “Every woman needs a Grand Perfume in her arsenal” (we so agree), “and Amouage Gold is just that.” Created by legendary perfumer Guy Robert, Gold artfully melds 120 of history’s most luxurious essences into an opulent perfume Robert calls the crowning glory of his career.

The fragrance opens with a champagne-like burst of green and lily of the valley which is followed by florals rose and jasmine – “the perfect marriage of French tradition and Omani luxury.” Amouage references its own rich history: founded over a quarter of a century ago, the niche luxury fragrance house draws inspiration from the birthplace of the Sultanate of Oman. Available exclusively (limited stock) from WORLDbeauty. $549 ECOYA ‘DECADENCE - JOSEPHINE’ SCENTED CANDLE I don’t know any woman who doesn’t love luxurious scented candles, selected in a fragrance of her type*. Ecoya’s new Decadence range is designed to generate the sense of confidence that prominent women of the art-deco era exuded. The four different Decadence fragrances have been created by world renowned perfumer and New Zealander Isaac Sinclair (as interviewed in Ponsonby News February 2011). The Josephine Baker inspired candle is described as the perfect scent to encourage a bit of raunchy fun this Valentine’s Day - its muse was never far from a scandal, and infamous for her sexy routines. RRP$99 LINDEN LEAVES – ‘AROMATHERAPY SYNERGY’ IN LOVE AGAIN BODY OIL To keep skin soft and nourished: organic rosehip and avocado oils blended with pure sweet almond and apricot kernel oils, enriched with vitamin E and infused with a sensual blend of neroli, vanilla and sandalwood! This beautiful natural oil contains real tamarillo and strawberry. Use it as a luxurious massage or bath oil – lavish her. RRP$49.95

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

LUCY AND THE POWDER ROOM FANNY PACK An intimate and/or witty gift - just be VERY careful that the recipient 1) already has or 2) definitely wants a Brazilian wax. Contains a Brazilian voucher (“specialists at Lucy and the Powder Room will leave her painlessly hair-free in the wink of an eye”); a Riffi Mitt - considered by Beauty Professionals to be the best exfoliating mitt available, and Tend Skin Ingrown Hair prevention - to reduce all post- hair removal issues resulting from shaving and waxing.$150 ORLY VALENTINES 2012 COLLECTION Make these nail lacquers a gift to self, and doll yourself up for that Valentine’s date.

This “loved-up” collection features four of ORLY’s best selling blush-coloured lacquers.

Sweet Cotton Candy crème for a romantic daytime picnic; or deep, sultry Forever Crimson if a passionate candlelight dinner is on the cards. Pair Butterflies - a pink peony crème - with a neutral outfit for a super pretty, polished look. For those who are “single and ready to mingle,” Orly suggest a neon-bright Passion Fruit mani, just right for cocktails with friends. RRP$24.99 each Chypre: fresh, mossy, and leathers; Citrus: crisp, light, and energising; Florals: romantic, feminine, and smooth; Fougère: fresh, floral, and herbaceous; Gourmand: sweet and food-inspired; Orientals: sensual, exotic, and spicy. (JULIE ROULSTON) PN WHERE TO BUY Amouage ‘Gold’: WORLDbeauty Ponsonby: 175 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4544 Ecoya Decadence candles: Redcurrent, 63 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 1003 Linden Leaves: Unichem Three Lamps, 1/283 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4260 Orly: me salon, 282 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4484 Lucy and the Powder Room Fanny Pack: Stephen Marr, 37 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0588

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE SHINE ON THE SUN IS (FINALLY) REALLY GEARING UP, AND UV TENDS TO OXIDISE AND damage hair. When the cuticle layer is raised like that, your hair gets knotty, feels rough and dry and tangles - and even worse, your beautiful, costly colour slips out of it.

Ponsonby News asked lovely Lucy Vincent-Marr what to do and she recommends her SANS ph Shine Corrector. “The product is really great for post-sun. It’s a pH cuticle corrector which slams the cuticle shut. Cuticles are like fish scales on the hair and when open from damage they absorb light, making your hair look matte and dull” she says.

A lot of brands use silicon, but they don’t physically alter the structure of the hair and when you wash your hair the effect literally washes out. SANS non-silicon formulation physically alters and improves hair, making the cuticles tight and hard to give a crystal shine. SANS also detangles without adding unwanted weight or residue.

Lucy says that SANS ph Shine Corrector will work brilliantly with your existing shampoo/conditioner brand, and that it is effective on non-coloured hair too.

“Even naturally blonde or dark hair still becomes sensitised in the face of strong, consistent UV exposure” she says “and it won’t behave in its shape or style.”

SANS products are beautifully fragranced - Lucy works with a French perfumer and ph Shine Corrector’s scent is a combination of fresh, vital, citrus tones (lemon verbena etc) which are stable in sunlight and work with the skin - as well as woody and vanilla tones.

The 50 ml bottle will give about 30 applications and retails at $60. SANS is committed to sustainable business and the packaging is minimal and has the lightest carbon footprint available.

SANS is Lucy’s own brand. She’s married to Stephen Marr and although the family have recently moved to Point Chevalier, they still have property in Ponsonby and consider themselves very much Ponsonby locals. www.sansceuticals.com PN

LOVE, HAVAIANAS STYLE A PONSONBY NEWS READER EXCLUSIVE! THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, PURCHASE a Valentine’s gift of stylish ‘jandals’ from the Havaianas Showroom in Mackelvie Street, and get a romantic gift with purchase - a ‘True Love’ Pininho button to embellish your Havaianas, a mini Orly polish for loved-up toes, and a bottle of pomegranate H2COCO. All you have to do is mention you read this offer in Ponsonby News. The gift is valued at $25 and is available for the entire week of Valentine’s Day(Monday 8 to Sunday 14 February),while stocks last. PN HAVAIANAS SHOWROOM, 28 McKelvie Street, Grey Lynn, T: 09 361 2416

ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

51

FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON KATE SYLVESTER COMING TO PONSONBY PONSONBY FASHION LOVERS ARE DUE TO WELCOME A PROMINENT NEW arrival, with the announcement of a Kate Sylvester Pop Up store, due to open towards the end of March. The site is in the block of shops where Golden Dawn is currently situated, on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Richmond Road.

Designer Kate Sylvester and her husband Wayne Conway are long time Westmere residents, and say “We’ve always loved the Ponsonby area. This is an exciting time for the Kate Sylvester brand - we are significantly expanding our retail base, having launched our new webstore last season and reopening our New Zealand flagship in a new Britomart location, as well as opening the Pop Up store on Ponsonby Road.” Kate Sylvester has chosen a Pop Up while they wait on the perfect, more permanent site.

The Ponsonby Pop Up will be open seven days and will stock the new Winter 2012 Kate Sylvester and Sylvester collections, as well as Kate Sylvester accessories including jewellery, shoes, bags and belts; Gala Curious jewellery and Benah handbags. PN

NEW SEASON AUTUMN/WINTER DUE AT WORKING STYLE THE NEW WORKING STYLE AUTUMN/WINTER COLLECTION IS SCHEDULED TO hit the Ponsonby store this month. We’re told to keep an eye out for classic winter jackets, buttery soft leather, new trouser cuts and a plethora of stylish suits.

Ponsonby News hears the Working Style creative team - Tim Dobbs (Director) and Eddie von Dadelszen (Creative Director) - has been hopping around Milan and London earlier this year, looking at what’s looming on the sartorial horizon for next season.

Meantime, Tailoring Coordinator Ally Rodwell (tailoring co-ordinator has been staying busy with shooting a creative new advertising campaign in LA, Sydney and Melbourne.

All this globe-trotting aims to ensure a top quality range with truly international fashion flair is always available in store. PN WORKING STYLE, 186a Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 3840 www.workingstyle.co.nz

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE ORSINI - SETTING THE DIAMOND STANDARDS INSPIRED BY HER NUMEROUS TRIPS TO lavish Italian jewellery houses, Sarah Hutchings sought to introduce her New Zealand clients to a distinctive bridal range that would reflect European jewellery aesthetics; hand-crafted, luxury pieces designed to be cherished from generation to generation.

Sarah has incorporated some of the Italian aesthetics into her designs, curved bands, with bold designs for confident women, while still maintaining the gentle feminine curves.

After two years of design and development, Sarah Hutchings’ Orsini Bridal Collection has launched, offering premium engagement rings and wedding bands for those seeking luxury jewellery that will stand the test of time.

Quality is paramount to Sarah’s Orsini Bridal Collection, with an emphasis on design, quality, craftsmanship, service and pedigree. Sarah has selected premium diamonds that optimize the ‘Four C’s’ – Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut to ensure maximum brilliance from each diamond ring.

‘Diamonds are a symbol of love, promise and partnership. They are like us …individual and unique. No two diamonds are exactly alike, they are fascinating’ says Sarah.

Featuring both contemporary and classic designs, the range comfortably caters for discerning brides seeking bridal jewellery that reflects their unique sense of style and personality. Orsini also hosts the ‘Diamond Night School classes’, RSVP necessary.

Please enquire if you would like to be educated about diamonds in a one hour fun and informative class. The class is run by a diamond consultant. Highly recommended if you are about to buy a diamond ring. PN ORSINI, 241 Parnell Road T: 09 354 3115 www.orsini.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

53

ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE The monthly jottings of a free-spirited Ponsonby dressmaker of the 1920s, as imagined by Angela Lassig.

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 3 FEBRUARY 1925

Dear Alice* I’m sorry that I’ve left it until almost the end of my holiday in Wellington to let you know how I’ve been getting on. I could say that I’m having a horrid time, as the weather is currently very wet and windy and unsettled.

But I’ve been so happy of late that I must admit the weather can do whatever it fancies and it won’t bother me in the least!

it at the Britannia here in Ponsonby? I didn’t let on that I’d already seen it as I absolutely adore Dustin Farnum. It’s the one where he plays twin brothers – one nasty, one nice - who change places so that the nice brother ends up with the nasty girl who, after the nasty brother suddenly drops dead, we find out was quite decent after all and worthy of the nice brother.

Actually the inclement weather is only a recent occurrence. Before the rain we had two weeks of glorious sunshine when Tilly** and I swam in the sea almost every day! That’s how I came to ruin my good swimming costume, the seat of which is now very gnarled and marred by runs and aused by sitting on the rough volcanic rocks at Lyall Bay. small holes caused ased it last summer and mourn its demise as it was both I only purchased d an absolute bargain! I shall take special care to take a becoming and quare on which to sit when I next go to the beach – that is mackintosh square res to show itself before I leave next week. Luckily Te Aro if the sun cares aving a colossal sale and I managed to find a very chic navy House was having tume in my size for half the usual price. It will do nicely for and white costume the rest of thee summer and hopefully next summer as well.

While on the subject of handsome lads, cousin Tilly has an overabundance of the said on hand whenever she needs an escort. One of these, a talented athlete called William, invited me to watch him run at the Wellington Artillery Band Carnival on Anniversary Day. He not only won his race but his relay team also won their race. Wh Whether buoyed or blinded lik to accompany him the by the success, he asked me if I’d like same evening to the special race night cabaret dance at the Orient Private Hotel in Or Oriental Bay! Of course I consented! Luckily I’d brought a couple of good frocks with me as well as a pair of de decent dancing shoes. Tilly talked me into buying a very ch chic jet and paste bandeau that sets off my ensemble very nicely.

One morningg Aunt Agatha*** took Tilly and I to tea at Kirkcaldies and aint needlework shop that also carried many beautiful lines then to a quaint hat the shop directly imports from London. Aunty bought

by Liberty’s that aced canvas with a design of trailing wisteria blooms that a piece of traced she intends ass a new top for her piano stool.

I purchased a tray cloth with a traced pattern of a novel scene of various vegetables, allll sprouting arms and legs, being chased by a dinner plate and assorted ery! We met the artist responsible for our pieces of cutlery! riking dark-haired woman called Marjory designs, a striking as been designing for Pringles for a number Mills. She has of years and does most of their traced linen. She has girls upstairs who help embroider some of the finished sets that are ory showed us a gorgeous pattern for a needlework for sale. Marjory purse in the style of old French tapestries that she had only d that day and Aunt Agatha purchased it with the just completed ave it finished by my birthday! She has an old silver promise to have frame that shee thinks will fit it nicely! I can’t wait to possess it as uch lovely work! Marjory’s father is the Editor of Aunty does such tar. I think that father may know him. the Feilding Star.

abou the evening as I know I shouldn’t say too much about from experience that the act of committing it to paper will only prove to dilute the vividness of the memory that will disap disappear all too soon in the natural course of things. B But if I ask you to imagine a ballroom lit only by lant lanterns and filled with night scented stocks and other blooms that reveal their secret aromas only afte after sunset and a smooth, dark glistening harbou harbour on a warm and calm evening, then you ca can perhaps imagine the intoxicating thrill th that was inspired in me!

ng one After swimming usin Tilly afternoon, cousin d and I went to and her friend the pictures att Island Bay and piness. I think we saw Big Happiness. en it together might have seen ast year…was in Auckland last

+ 2012 54 PONSONBY PONSONBY PARISH NEWS+NEWS February

I only hope that I am as happy as I am today when next we meet in Auckland.

Until then, much love, Your cousin,

Maudie xx * Alice is a cl close friend of Maudie and lives in Epsom Epso ** Tilly (Ma (Matilda) is one of Maudie’s many cousins mother; sister of Maudie’s mother *** Tilly’s mothe

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

illustration: 99designs

o find some lovely dress materials that were I managed to od value. I always find interesting fabrics in especially good nd this time it was English kimono crepe.

Wellington and I bought ten yards of lemon, rose and a periwinkle blue crepe , each with a different al design. I think oriental floral these will bee very nice made into evening jackets with sures and frogged closures deep sleeves.

h Knowing that I have only five days of my Wellington holida holiday left, Bill has vowed to somewher fascinating in his little take me somewhere car every afternoon u until I leave. Tilly has me s she doesn’t mind being to herself in the mornings so an I do believe that Aunty deprived of my company and might even be relieved! Wha What transpires after I leave is starting to enter my thoug thoughts as the day of return draws nearer. I must say that I will find it very difficult to say goodbye.

FASHION + STYLE NINE STEPS FOR MAINTAINING EYE HEALTH EYESIGHT HAS A HUGE IMPACT ON DAY TO DAY LIVING AND IS ONE OF THE senses we all fear losing most. Many common eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness, such as diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration, often have no early warning signs or symptoms.

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY EYES: • Have a comprehensive eye examination every two years or annually if you are a contact lens wearer.

• Know your family’s eye health history as many eye diseases are hereditary.

• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach is important for keeping your eyes healthy.

• Maintain a healthy weight to minimise the risk of diabetes.

• Wear protective eyewear if required in your job, when playing sports or doing activities around the home such as renovations or car maintenance.

• Quit smoking or never start. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body.

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

• Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued.

Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.

• Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly.

Mortimer Hirst provides general optometric services such as eye examinations, visual screening and children’s vision. Their clinical team specialise in post surgery care, keratoconus, complex contact lens fitting and management, and troubleshooting often on referral from local and international colleagues and eye surgeons. Business partner Grant Watters is also an industry leader in Orthokeratology. PN MORTIMER HIRST, 9 High Street, CBD T: 09 379 8950 info@mortimerhirst.co.nz www.mortimerhirst.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

55

FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON PONSONBY DESIGNERS AT NEW ZEALAND FASHION FESTIVAL Ponsonby designers will once again be well represented at late February/early March’s New Zealand Fashion Festival.

2012 will be the event’s third year, and it is moving to a new venue in Quay Street’s Shed 10 - formerly a Rugby World Cup fan zone, and already successfully used as a runway venue by AUT’s Rookie event late in 2011.

Over five nights from Monday 27 February to Friday 2 March, festival-goers will see in -season Winter 2012 collections from Annah Stretton, Carlson, Cybele, Helen Cherry, Ingrid Starnes, Jimmy D, Juliette Hogan, Kimberley’s, Ruby, Starfish, Storm, taylor, Workshop, WORLD, Zambesi, and Zambesi Man, as well as designers not currently operating stores in Ponsonby.

Fashion Festival also boasts a programme of seminars and events, with three different M.A.C. Cosmetics seminars bound to be highlights - the trio being a happy expansion from last year’s crowd-pleasing inaugural seminar. The perenially popular Designer Garage Sale bookends the festival on the Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 March - also taking place in Shed 10. PN NEW ZEALAND FASHION FESTIVAL tickets are available at i-ticket. www.nzfashionfestival.com

SAY IT ALL WITH HAMMERPRESS Ponsonby News loves Hammerpress cards, made using recycled paper and printed using traditional letterpresses. This Valentine’s Day number costs $11 and is available exclusively at Crane Brothers. PN CRANE BROTHERS, 2-4 High Street, City T: 09 377 5333 www.crane-brothers.com

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

57

DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH JAQUIE BROWN Local Kingsland resident funny lady Jaquie Brown has a new book ‘I’m not fat, I’m pregnant!’ out in March. It’s the ultimate guide to getting pregnant, being pregnant and surviving life with a crazy but wonderful newborn.

GREATEST REGRET? Not wearing a bra on my wedding day. What a hussy!

CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? The part of me that thinks it’s ok to go without a bra ever. It’s a rare bosom that can behave that way.

WHAT DRIVES YOU? Life is short.

HOW HAS YOUR SON LEO CHANGED YOUR LIFE? It’s hard to say without sounding clichéd but I feel like a part of me was missing that I didn’t even know was missing and now he’s here. I can eat an entire meal with one hand in under two minutes.

WHICH FEMALE COMIC DO YOU ADMIRE? I grew up watching Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders they were my comic benchmarks. More recently the SNL ladies, Kristen Wigg, Amy Poehler and British comediennes Miranda Hart and Caitlin Moran. I love them for different reasons really.

Silliness, braveness, cleverness, nice hair. The usual.

NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT? These days, Leo. FAVORITE TV SHOWS. Parks and recreation, How to make it in America, Community, Dexter, are a few I can’t miss.

WHO WOULD YOU TURN GAY FOR? Beyonce I think would be a good match for me. We both have nice bottoms (I’m told) and she could sing to me when I had nightmares.

WITH ENDLESS TIME AND MONEY WHAT WOULD YOU DO FIRST? Secretly giving money to people that really need it, then have a nap and think about how nice I am. Then I’d fly round the world in my private jet with all my favourite people and explore the world doing things like eating snails and such.

TWO THINGS YOU’D TAKE TO A DESERT ISLAND AND WHY? A solar powered iPad with zillions of books loaded onto it and Beyonce.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF NAKED IN JUST FIVE WORDS? Loaf of bread meets goddess.

WHO’S YOUR FANTASY MALE MOVIE STAR? Zac Efron. No brainer. I know it’s wrong but I can’t help myself.

YOU HATE IN PEOPLE? Bullets.

YOU LOVE IN PEOPLE? Blood.

INVISIBLE FOR A DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Walk around naked and feel simultaneously liberated and private all at once.

AS A GOSSIP COLUMNIST I LOVE GOSSIP, TELL US THE LATEST GOSSIP YOU HAVE HEARD? That Jaquie Brown lost 16kg last year on a diet of sex, celery sticks and power walking.

IN 2000 I PUT YOU ON MY WORST DRESSED LIST, WHAT DID YOU REALLY THINK? I was flattered you bothered to spell my name correctly.

DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST? I’ve never touched a dolphin, that sounds rude. What I mean is, I’d love to swim with some.

IF LIFE HAD TAUGHT YOU ONE THING WHAT WAS IT? What people say and how they behave towards you says more about them than it does about you.

MOST CHERISHED FASHION ITEM? My invisible cloak that the Emperor lent me.

IF YOUR HOUSE CAUGHT FIRE THE FIRST THING AFTER YOUR SON, YOU’D GRAB? I have a teddy bear my nana made me that’s in Leo’s room; it’s got sentimental value so I’d grab that.

DO YOU HAVE A SHOE FETISH? I don’t rub them on my nipples if that’s what you mean. I like shoes as much as the next person but I don’t wet myself over them.

DESCRIBE YOUR HUMOUR? Random.

FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU AS? They’d say I was a total batty.

ARE YOU TYPICAL OF YOUR STAR SIGN? I am a Libra and yes, I need things to be balanced and spend a lot of time weighing things on a tiny pair of scales just to make sure they are equal.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first job I was 12 and I worked in a toy shop in South London. It was my Saturday job. I’ve worked for as long as I can remember actually. I can’t even remember what I earned but there were no computers, we wrote everything down on pieces of paper.

Isn’t that crazy?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE NZ’S PM FOR A DAY? Tequila for everyone in Parliament day.

DOES YOUR HUSBAND THINK YOU’RE FUNNY? He is the funny one actually. Especially when it comes to household chores. Hilarious.

HEROES? Mothers of the world. Now I’m one I know what’s involved, the love, the sacrifice, all of it. Mothers of twins, single mums, mums in general they are all my heroes. Mums are awesome.

BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? Always moisturise your face - Grandma.

WHAT WOULD YOU CALL YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY? Please read this book or my ego will be bruised. (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM) PN

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY! 

SOUTH AMERICA TODAY

by Chris Lyons, Director, World Journeys THE CONTRAST WITH 20 YEARS AGO IS UNBELIEVABLE! After visiting South America numerous times over many years, what strikes me most is how all aspects of travelling there have improved so dramatically. Flights now generally run on time and inflight service is very good. The hotels, vehicles, tour guides and dining options are now light years ahead of where they used to be.

Furthermore, South America has never been more accessible to the Kiwi traveller with daily flights from Auckland non-stop to Santiago in Chile offering superb connections all over the continent. Another bonus is that travelling on a New Zealand passport, you don’t need any visas in advance! As specialists to the region, World Journeys probably send more visitors to South America from New Zealand than any other company – both as individuals or as organised groups.

Most of the continent is best visited from April to October. This generally means excellent clear weather and little rain in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia with pleasant, less humid weather in Argentina and especially Brazil. However if you plan to visit the southern region of Patagonia then October to March is best.

I am often asked what my favourite places to visit in South America are and this is a tough question! Top of the list though must be Ecuador, an extraordinary country of contrasts with the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, a fascinating and vibrant Indian culture in the highlands, and the wonders of the Amazon jungle. Other great Amazon experiences are also found in Peru and of course, Brazil. History abounds everywhere but especially in Peru, a treasure-house of amazing early Spanish architecture and of course the incredible Inca story found at places like amazing Machu Picchu (the lost city of the Incas). Colourful local culture is everywhere, as is beautiful scenery found in the Sacred Valley of the Incas or at Lake Titicaca, separating Peru from Bolivia and dominated by the impressive Andes mountain range.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Argentina is like visiting another totally different continent from the Andean countries!

Elegant Buenos Aires; great food, wonderful wines, fantastic shopping (as their currency is weak at present) contrasts the planet’s mightiest waterfall at Iguazu and the vast expanses and Fiords of Patagonia. Northern Chile’s Atacama Desert is amongst the most wondrous places on earth. This high arid plateau has amazing scenery and fabulous accommodation – go there – you will love it!

Finally, one must mention Rio de Janeiro - there is no more beautiful setting on Earth and now a much safer city with a plummeting crime rate due to increased security in preparation for the Football World Cup and Olympic Games. Great natural beauty, wonderful beaches, fantastic food and incredibly friendly peoples make this a place to spend several days. I can’t wait to travel back again in August to South America with my annual small group. For me it is like going home...why not drop by my ‘home’ for a visit and find out just what I mean.

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

59

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

1

2

4

3

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY! 

6

5

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE DEAR READERS Please keep sending us your holiday snaps reading your favourite magazine, we love getting them! Photos need to be in high resolution (300dpi), so please email them to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz without reducing the size.

1-2. JUDE LONG emailed us with this great shot and told us, “I really enjoy the Ponsonby News and late last year we were in SOUTHERN AFRICA and took these photos with your October edition. The first shot (right) is myself and DEB GLASGOW (left) with staff of Damaraland Camp, Namibia at a surprise sunrise breakfast before going off in search of desert elephants.

“The second is of COLIN GLASGOW, DEB GLASGOW and myself (left to right) at Etosha National Park, NAMIBIA with an elephant in the background at the watering hole.”

3. St Mary’s Bay resident ALLAN HORNER sent this, taken in the DUNEDIN Museum, showing the world’s longest piano on display. “We went down for the Elton John concert at the new Forsyth Barr stadium. Wonderful stadium, and a great show, ” he told us.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

7 4. CAY CASSINI made the team smile when she told us, “yes, I look like I could be anywhere, however, I’m in PERTH reading the Ponsonby News... another day in paradise.”

5-6. St Mary’s Bay resident TIM PULE emailed us before Christmas and explained, “Here are some snap shots of ‘Sister’ TIFFANY CLARKE and myself, Tim ‘Nachoooooo’ Pule enjoying the GOLD COAST 7s. Next Stop Welly 7s. Hope you enjoy the shots.

Cheers PN.” 7. Chef GRANT ALLEN emailed us this shot of himself with FELICITY O’DRISCOLL, co-owner of Cook the Books on Richmond Road. They’d travelled to NOUMEA, courtesy of New Caledonia Tourism to try out their Gourmet Tours and remembered to take a copy of Ponsonby News with them. PN

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

61

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE CELEBRATE SUMMER ON JERVOIS ROAD Jervois Road has everything for easy summer living – art prints, books, bars, cafes, delis, delicious cupcakes, frozen yoghurt, gifts, jewellery, childrenswear, fashion, flowers, hairdressers, holistic health, beauty spas, real estate and wine.

illustration: Michael McClintock

Summer is the best time to grab an outside table anywhere on the strip to enjoy the sun and discover, or rediscover all the nice people and businesses along Jervois Road.

Pretty much everything anyone could wish for is to be found in Jervois Road – known affectionately known as Herne Bay Village. PN

R I P DEBRA STEARNS – 25 JANUARY 2011 THIS TIME LAST YEAR, WE WERE SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF MARTY BALL, the owner of Jervois Road’s Momentum Framing Gallery who died unexpectedly. A year on there were tears in the office while we were finalising this issue, when we learned that Debra Stearns, Marty’s partner had herself passed away unexpectedly the previous day.

Debra, an American from West Dakota met Marty in Auckland and the pair fell in love and married in June 2007. Together, they acquired a picture-framing gallery, which they revamped and renamed as Momentum Framing Gallery, which we know today.

Like every couple they had struggled through difficult times but had finally come through the other side and were very strong as a team. The last eighteen months the pair shared were the most lovely time in their lives. In Debra’s words, “I was loved and I deeply loved a partner, I am ever grateful to have had”. When talking to her, one sensed the inner strength she showed that kept her going. A few days following Marty’s death the Ponsonby News’ team invited her over after work one evening. We prepared a foot spa and we gave her a 30 minute foot massage. We laughed that night and there were many tears, but she really appreciated the gesture.

MARTY and DEBRA were shocked when over 300 Ponsonby News readers entered MOMENTUM’S competition to win this iconic Dick Frizzell print.

62 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

HENRY SHEWARD owner of TRANS VIDEO says “There are a hard core group of people who wholeheartedly support the local Jervois Road strip and I couldn’t think of a nicer place to live.”

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Jo Barrett

We loved Marty’s favourite quote, taken from Neil Young’s ‘Hey Hey My My’ and his philosophy which sadly came true: ‘It’s better to burn out than to fade away’. Rest in peace Debra and Marty, neither of you will never grow old. (MARTIN LEACH) PN

ANNABELLE WILEY, nanny to local Herne Bay girls TABITHA AND ISLA SELLAR says, “With only a five minute walk from the park, we come down to ICING ON THE CAKE almost every day for an ice cream or cupcake and as well, the girls’ mum and I also love 5 LOAVES!”

CHANTAL LANDAIS and SUJI CAMBRIDGE say they love working in Jervois Road. “It’s close to the water, we can stroll down after work to dip our tired feet and the people are neighbourly with Mums and Dads pushing strollers and happy school kids passing by every day.”

FIND THE SECRET TO HAVING BEAUTIFUL HAIR Entering its fourth year on Jervois Road, Chantal Landais Hair Studio has definitely become an established part of the neighbourhood.

Behind the lush garden box the salon has a truly peaceful feel. It’s a place to relax with easy music, refreshments, good magazines to bury your head in and where professional staff will take care of your hair whether you came in for a complete revamp or just a bit of a treat.

Brand partners, Kerastase Paris and L’Oreal Professionnel play a very important role within the salon, bringing with them the latest technology and trends that truly define their French identity.

Although living in New Zealand for over 20 years, French born and trained Chantal Landais has kept much of her culture and quirks, only refined with the best of Kiwiana.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Chantal and Suji really believe that hairstyles just like wardrobes need to be updated while still maintaining essential key elements using quality products and the right tools.

The updates can be as subtle as a sexy new fringe or a different placing of the parting, slight shading or a balayage technique designed to create naturalistic highlights. Or perhaps you want to indulge in Chantal’s signature keratin treatment; a Soft Liss.

Then of course a totally brand new look can be created just for you, but whatever you require in the way of a hair treatment it is important to remember that a great hairstyle worn with ease and confidence is the secret to beautiful hair. PN CHANTAL LANDAIS, 128 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 4402 www.chantalandais.co.nz

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

63

photography: Jo Barrett

photography: Jo Barrett

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE PAIN PHYSIOTHERAPIST JOHN GILMOUR WAS BORN AND RAISED IN DEVONPORT, attended Takapuna Grammar and represented the school in rugby and sailing. His father was a pharmacist, his mother a nurse so it’s no surprise his chosen career is in the health industry. He didn’t want to cut people so being a doctor didn’t appeal but when he was young he received treatment for a dislocated knee and was intrigued by the process. Instead of medicine, physiotherapy became his calling. After graduating from AUT then AIT School of Physiotherapy he worked at North Shore Hospital and went on to gain a postgraduate qualification in manipulative therapy.

Over the last fifteen years John and his research team have developed a unique system for treating serious spinal injury or disease. While building up his practice on Jervois Road, John identified a gap in the treatment of neck and back pain, untreated nerve problems.

The Gilmour System identifies and monitors the changes in nerve responses with treatment, whereas traditional teaching and practice focuses on symptoms “is your pain better?” He found that if there is nerve root compression the nerve won’t conduct as well as it should which means if you have back pain you may have undetected weakness in your arms or legs.

The approach at the practice helps understanding of what has happened and what to do, and is mostly manual therapy with relevant exercise. There’s no gym or machinery other than the table and the patient but there is always a programme of exercises to be

done at home. In treating the musculoskeletal area the aim is to restore normal midline posture, which is the key to good spinal health. Correct postural alignment involves the spine, hips, knees and ankles. If a limb is not hitting the ground correctly with every step that is where injuries to core muscles can occur, they tear randomly and minutely, also a fall can damage.

Fortunately the body has a collagen healing process and scar formation that will happen over a three-month period, but scars heal tightly and then the damaged core muscles stop working. Sufferers know what their symptoms are but the Gilmour System can identify the cause of the problem and treat the affected areas after biomechanical analysis and using neurological testing and monitoring methods.

The team has had numerous discussion papers published in many medical and science publications in New Zealand and international journals including Spine, a prestigious orthopaedic journal. John is now internationally recognised and uses the application of engineering and biomechanical principles to address the original cause of back pain rather than just focussing on symptom relief. He says he’s a practical man and might well have been a boatbuilder if he hadn’t opted for physiotherapy.

A further thought - if given a diagnosis that nothing can be done for your spinal pain it’s definitely worth getting a second opinion rather than accepting the first. John is always happy to see such cases and will prescribe his treatment only if he is sure it would work for them. Given he can treat anything in the musculoskeletal area and has an astounding success rate it would be a sensible way to go. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS)

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW ‘NOT-FOR-PARENTS TRAVEL BOOK’ London, Paris, Rome, New York - Everything you ever wanted to know.

Lonely Planet, the essential guide books for adults have produced a new series especially for children. ‘Not For Parents’ is full of intriguing stories and fascinating facts for younger travellers about the people, places, history and culture of the world’s most exciting cities. These guides will be essential reading for young folk lucky enough to journey overseas or just dreaming about the possibility of travel to distant places one day. Parents may find that their younger travelling companions are full of facts, information and fascinating detail that they were unaware of themselves.

In this book are the epic events, amazing animals, hideous histories, funky foods and crazy facts that make the world’s 200 countries so fascinating. Each country has a page to itself, so tiny Tuvalu gets as much spece as superpower USA. With plenty of pictures, a good index and sound information about each country, along with the fascinating trivia this book will make an excellent addition to a home library and a useful homework tool. PN DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

JOHN GILMOUR says, “What a great community, I know a lot of people around here and many come in out of the blue even after 10 years wanting their backs fixed.”

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Jo Barrett

‘Not-For-Parents Travel Book’ - Cool stuff to know about every country in the world. Along with these guides is a companion hardback volume about the world’s countries for children .

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

65

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE TREATING CRACKED TEETH BEFORE THEY FRACTURE Pain when biting? You might have a cracked tooth. As we age, our teeth often develop stress fractures. This is due to the repetitive stress of everyday use, and also night-time grinding.

These fractures result in a tooth being painful to bite when eating hard foods such as crusty, or grainy bread, or things like muesli. The tooth flexes and can be sore when you bite down, and sore on release.

If you have a filling in the tooth, then it will be even weaker, and more likely to crack.

Not surprisingly, the bigger the filling is, the weaker the tooth is, but even unfilled teeth can crack.

Sometimes the crack can be easily repaired, but sometimes, you can never properly repair the tooth. The tooth can split and have to be removed. Cracks can be treated by bonding an ‘overlay’ of porcelain on to the tooth. This stops the crack from flexing when you bite, and prevents the tooth from breaking.

The CEREC CADCAM system is the best way to fix these teeth. The tooth can be treated in a single visit, with a minimal amount of tooth prepared. There are no impressions, no temporaries, no second visit to have it cemented, and it’s white!

photography: Jo Barrett

That’s less time away from work for you.

KAREN PURCHASE, IOANA READER and TYNE LEAMING from LOLLIPOPS EDUCARE in Jervois Road say it is great to work in a beautiful historical building in this special location. Best of all is that they get to work with the friendly families and their children from the Herne Bay community.

If you haven’t had a check for a while, then do book a time. It is much easier to treat cracked teeth early, rather than after they have fractured, or become painful.

Call Jervois Dental now! PN JERVOIS DENTAL, 139 Jervois Road T: 09 360 2475 www.jervoisdental.co.nz

ACHIEVE AMAZING HEALTH AND FITNESS WITH SIBYL Wishing you a very happy, healthy 2012 from FitnessTrainer.co.nz!

Any thing is possible, when it comes to your health and fitness, no goal is too big or small.

Exercise makes you feel great, gives you heaps of energy, makes you fit, strong and healthy, helps your body function more efficiently, prevents illness and you’ll sleep well.

group fitness and is Les Mills Body Trainer certified. Sibyl has helped all types of people achieve their health and fitness goals and will inject fun and excitement into your routine with amazing results.

Sibyl is also a qualified sports massage therapist and her treatments promote muscle recovery after exercise, injury prevention, healing muscle pain and relaxation.

FitnessTrainer is a private studio at 34 Jervois Road where all training programs are uniquely designed to suit your personal needs. Achieve your full potential inside and out using a combination of cardio, strength and flexibility training with nutritional advice and have a great time in the process!

Training packages are available and to celebrate the beginning of a new year, this month purchase a 10 personal training sessions package and receive a free sports massage or purchase a five sports massages package and receive a sixth one free. PN

FitnessTrainer founder Sibyl Mandow has been working as a fitness trainer for nine years, she has extensive experience and qualifications in both personal training and

To book an appointment or for more information please contact Sibyl M: 027 574 3775 or info@fitnesstrainer.co.nz www.fitnesstrainer.co.nz

66 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

67

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE UNLIMITED POTENTIAL FIRMLY ESTABLISHED IN HERNE BAY Unlimited Potential (UP) were the first real estate company to identify Jervois Road, call it home and make camp there in 2003.

Having established their base in Remuera in 1994, they then opened Mt Eden in 1998.

They wanted Central Auckland clients to have the benefit of the overlapping influence that three strategically sited offices, in Auckland’s most sought after locations could offer. Herne Bay was the missing link.

UP were fortunate to secure one of Herne Bay’s most outstanding real estate professionals, Wayne Bulog to pioneer the operation. Its immediate success gave them the confidence to commit to a long term future. They purchased 162 Jervois Road and the adjoining ‘Hero’s Takeaway’ bar in 2006.

Crossan Clarke Architects were enlisted to rejuvenate this classic property with the brief that the end product reflect the fusion of character and contemporary design.

The commitment to sympathetic modernising makes up so much of the area, they wanted their building to be in sync with this and also by its presence, reflect their vibrant company culture.

photography: Jo Barrett

UP are thrilled to be part of this thriving upwardly mobile community – they’re enjoying the benefits of a growing sales and rental team in a marketplace that is an increasing first choice for many. The support from homeowners continues to confirm the synergy between UP and them.

WAYNE BULOG of UNLIMITED POTENTIAL sums up his love for Jervois Road. “Simply put, it’s the people, it’s the location, it’s the coffee!”

UP has purposely taken a low key approach to growth, preferring their actions to speak for themselves. They’ve created a ‘welcome’ environment, designed for hospitality – if you’re around and haven’t met them yet, drop in – the coffee is always on. PN UNLIMITED POTENTIAL, 162 Jervois road T: 09 361 6658 www.uprealty.co.nz

NEW SEASON SHOES ARRIVING SOON AT HEAVENLY SOLES IT HAS BEEN SIX MONTHS SINCE HEAVENLY Soles moved into their new Store in Jervois Road and love being part of a growing boutique area.

“We are very privileged to be in such a gorgeous part of the city and we have been made very welcome by the locals. Building up customer relationships is really important to all of us and we love knowing our customers and their shoe desires,” says Kerry.

They are now in the process of setting up a VIP CLUB this season, after many of their loyal customs keep returning and this is a great way to thank them for their amazing support.

We also really enjoy hosting private shopping experiences so if you and the girls want a get together after work with bubbles and nibbles we will be more than happy to organise this for you.

Autumn/Winter 2012 styles will be hitting the shelves during February and Heavenly Soles are really excited about the amazing new collection. They have shoes and boots from Italy, Spain, Brazil, England and Asia. This season, platform shoes and boots are still extremely desirable and loved by our ladies. They will also be having a gorgeous collection from our New Zealand designers including Kathryn Wilson, Chaos & Harmony, Minx and Briarwood coming in this season. PN HEAVENLY SOLES, 14 Jervois Road T: 09 360 2225 www.heavenlysoles.co.nz

68 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

69

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE

A ONE STOP SHOP FOR CHILDREN’S FOOTWEAR

photography: Jo Barrett

Future Feet, New Zealand’s largest specialist children’s footwear store has been servicing customers for nearly 20 years from their Jervois Road store. Future Feet stocks the biggest range of imported and locally made children’s shoes and caters for a wide range of ages from baby, first walkers, active toddlers to fast growing teens and even trendy mums.

Future Feet is a one stop shop for your children’s footwear needs. At Future Feet they stock school shoes, sport shoes (including rugby and netball) casual, dress, jandals and even gumboots and slippers.

The dedicated team at Future Feet pride themselves on their great service which includes a one on one consultation with your child as they know that growing feet require expert attention.

Brands are sourced from all over the world and great effort is made to source quality products that are hard wearing to stand up to kids use at school, in the playground, beach or sports ground.

If you have any concerns about your child’s feet, they have a children’s specialist Podiatrist who works in-store on a regular basis to provide a one on one consultation and discuss the shoe options most suited to your child. PN

They stock half sizes and width sizes in some brands and are selling up to size 40 Euro or UK 10 for those children with bigger feet.

FUTURE FEET, Shop 11, Fountain Court, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 378 8880 www.futurefeet.co.nz

NICK WARD was having “another hard day at the office” at the lovely ANDIAMO Restaurant right in the heart of Jervois Road.

70 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE ON2CANVAS, HEARTSTRINGS AND LINDY LAMPSHADES Just off Jervois Road, on Albany Road is a little studio bursting with creative ideas. It’s where you’ll find on2canvas, Heartstrings and Lindy Lampshades.

I love photography, art, my Mac and my large format printer so creating digital art for people is what I love to do. I see each piece I create as a collaboration between my clients’ ideas and images and my graphic skills, enthusiasm and experience.

Every canvas is lovingly handcrafted, from the design and printing to the framing.

Using 100% cotton archival canvas (as it lends itself to the look and feel of a real artist’s canvas), I’m committed to creating products that not only look good but are made to endure. And with new materials to print on such as linen, silk and cotton I’ve been making customized lampshades, cushions, blinds, curtains, light -boxes and bags.

CHEMICAL-FREE SCHOOL LUNCHES FOR LOCAL CHILDREN THIS TERM HERNE BAY CAFÉ DELLOW’S KITCHEN IS PROVIDING CHEMICAL-FREE, FRESH lunches to school children at schools in Herne Bay, Point Chevalier and Westmere this term. Working through an online ordering system set up by north shore company ezlunch, parents will be able to order via the internet or by mobile phone. Sandra Finlay of ezlunch set up the company a year ago as the result of her own difficulties finding healthy convenient food for her food intolerant son. PN

photography: Jo Barrett

Sandra is passionate about getting healthy food into schools. www.ezlunch.co.nz

My latest venture is jewellery - I put pictures into pendants – a nod to the cameo or locket but with a modern twist. I call them ‘Heartstrings’ as they make a great gift if you want to give someone a tug on their heart!

Whether it’s a scanned photograph or an image from your iPhone, a montage or a popart design, the ideas for decorating the walls of your home, bach or office are endless. A gift voucher makes a great present – especially for weddings.

And when you’re having a party “Lindy Lampshade” offers festoon lighting for hire – 10 gorgeous fabric lampshades per string that will brighten up any space.

So next time you’re in the neighbourhood, pop down to my studio and be inspired.

(LINDY ROBERTS) PN Open Monday - Friday 11am - 5pm. www.on2canvas.co.nz

LAURA HAYCOCK doesn’t live locally but she does work locally at TESSUTI / INGRID STARNES in Jervois Road. “I love coming to work everyday, I love the cafes and getting to know the friendly locals. Jervois Road has a relaxed beach holiday kind of atmosphere and there are lots of babies!”

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

71

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE HERNE BAY PHARMACY — THE PRAISE GOES ON GERALDINE PHILLIPS AND HER TEAM ARE STILL GETTING MORAL SUPPORT (not to mention business support) from all sorts of likely and unlikely sources. One client heard about their problems with their previous landlord while holidaying in Turkey! And the sparkling wine still keeps coming.

Their new pharmacy at 210 Jervois Road will open after Waitangi weekend. Their current pharmacy will remain open and be known as Little Herne Bay Pharmacy. There are lots of jokes about who will be based where, but it’s likely a lot of mixing and matching will take place. Feel free to find out where your favourite staff person will be based, and patronise them.

HEALTHY, FRESH AND MODERN INDIAN WE ALREADY HAVE OUR FAIR SHARE OF FINE INDIAN RESTAURANTS IN Ponsonby with all sorts of styles and cuisines represented, so when Raj Grewal decided to open Trendy Indian on Jervois Road, he wanted his restaurant to offer something unique that would complement our neighbourhood.

Raj grew up in Panchkula, which is near Chandigarh in Northern India. As a teenager, he came to Auckland with some of his family in 1995 and while working in his brother’s restaurant, Masala in Whangaparoa, he realised he loved hospitality and that he was really good at it. He went into business with his brother and together they opened another Masala in Birkenhead. After four years it was time to branch out on his own and Raj opened Nite Spice in Manukau and a takeaway version in Papatoetoe.

Geraldine is very enthusiastic about the great job Mark Leask, her designer-builder, has done with the new space. It will be a traditional chemist shop but with a very different look and feel from the usual one. A feature will be the children’s play room designed by Kirsten Roberts who has been doing the beautiful window sign writing messages. Another innovation will be the window displays by well known local artist Ton van der Veer.

So it will be business as usual for Herne Bay Pharmacy, the same friendly faces, but new products, displays, including Peter Jacka artworks – large murals which will hit your eye as soon as you walk in the door.

Meanwhile, number 216 is empty and no one seems keen to take up a tenancy with Geraldine’s old landlord. It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. (JOHN ELLIOTT)

“I have always wanted to be in the restaurant industry as I love being in contact with people and making sure they are happy. Giving great service comes easily to me, I don’t like hanging out in the kitchen, the customers need me out the front, they’re paying for it so they should get what they pay for,” says Raj. “We chose to open here on Jervois Road because the customers are very discerning. What we offer is very different to most other Indian restaurants and we thought the community would like it”.

There is a lot of competition in the neighbourhood, but Raj says he has been really lucky and appreciates the support he has received from the local community. “People around here are so friendly; our customers are really supportive, kind and generous.

We have tried to be different in the restaurant by playing the latest Bolliwood movies and Indian hip hop music to give it a real feeling of being in modern India. We give customers the best service we can and the best food too. I can’t let the standard drop so we have really good systems in place so everyone leaves satisfied.”

GERALDINE PHILLIPS of HERNE BAY PHARMACY.

Raj has a lot of good things to say about his neighbours too. “I would love to live here not just because it’s close to work but because of my neighbours. There is no crime and it doesn’t matter which shop you go into, the people give you their best. I’ve only found it in this neighbourhood. I think the restaurant will grow because it is in this area.

This restaurant is my dream, it’s a big risk, but with the local community supporting us, we will definitely grow.”

With this kind of positive attitude it is no wonder Raj and Trendy Indian is such a success. “My philosophy is to try and get as much as I can from my life and I try to be happy no matter what problems may arise. That’s how you can change things, by smiling no matter what happens.”

STOP PRESS: Since interviewing Raj, he and his brother have decided to change Trendy Indian into a Masala restaurant. From 1 February, there will be new decoration with the same healthy, fresh food and great service. PN MASALA RESTAURANT, 204 Jervois Road T: 09 376 2001 www.masalarestaurant.co.nz

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: martin leach

Using fresh ingredients without cream and very little oil, the emphasis at Trendy Indian is on healthy food. “My family and I are very health conscious and so many of the dishes we eat at home are on the menu here. There are a lot of gluten free and dairy free dishes and plenty of salads. Some of our dishes like Tawa chicken are specific to us and are not found in other restaurants. North Indian cuisine is my history so we specialise in what we know and try to do it well. We’re very different to most other North Indian restaurants, where they will use a lot of cream and oil in their dishes; we focus on fresh healthy food.”

KOKO CLASSICS OUTLET STORE opened on Jervois Road in mid December.

Manager NANCY SMITH says “The locals are friendly, this area has a real village feel, and I would love to stay in Jervois Road for a very long time.”

THINK FRENCH, THINK VINTAGE, THINK INDUSTRIAL, THINK RUSTIC Starting again from humble beginnings, Koko Classics evolved their Mt Eden Road store in late 2010 after relocating from Christchurch to Auckland following the February earthquake. The subsequent shutting off of the central city forced the owners to sell Urbano Interiors, their previous classic furniture shop.

Now Koko Classics’s unique Mt Eden store located in a converted substation is selling a range of vintage and industrial styled furniture and accessories. The Industrial look, now a worldwide trend started in France during the 1940s and Koko Classics have now brought this trend to your neighbourhood.

In their Mt Eden Road store you will find reclaimed elm dining tables, drapers cabinets and bakers racks, Tolix inspired dining chairs and bar stools, outdoor furniture, exotic cow skins and hides, and gilt framed mirrors.

Late last year they opened their outlet store in Jervois Road and since then have proved to be very popular with the locals, “filling a hole” and “just what we need” in the Jervois Road retail precinct. At Jervois Road they offer specials, samples, one-offs and end of lines.

Finding the right furniture and accessories for your home is now much easier with Koko Classics. With over 30 years experience in the furniture industry, Koko Classics can offer onsite consultancy and expert advice in choosing the right industrial look for your home or commercial environment. They offer delivery to all districts at a reasonable price. PN KOKO CLASSICS, 743 Mt Eden Road T: 09 623 0990; KOKO CLASSICS OUTLET STORE, 218 Jervois Road M: 0274 813 657; www.kokoclassics.blogspot.com classics4koko@yahoo.com The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

73

photography: Jo Barrett

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE

R.I.P DEB STEARNS 25.01.12

SHOWING AT LETHAM GALLERY

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT MOMENTUM

PENNY HOWARD - LOSING MY RELIGION Until 14 February

MOMENTUM FRAMING GALLERY ON JERVOIS ROAD HAS A GREAT RANGE OF limited edition prints from some of New Zealand’s top and emerging artists. They can frame the prints and all you need to do is select a frame to suit the individual print. The highly qualified team at Momentum also provide custom conservation picture framing for all types of fine art and treasures such as certificates, children’s art, textiles and more. Whatever you want framed, their experienced team will give you the best advice!

Letham Gallery presents their exciting debut exhibition for 2012, Penny Howard’s Losing My Religion.

Intricately painted, hand shaped wood panels form a story of faith, passion and cultural division.

Losing My Religion is inspired by Howard’s great, great, great grandmother, Te Kuri O Te Wao, who was a Maori princess and is said to be the first Maori Woman to be converted to Catholicism in New Zealand.

Sadly framer Malcolm Templeton is leaving Momentum to join his partner in Melbourne from February and he will be missed. However Momentum is pleased to welcome Kristy Plaister on board as part of their team. Kristy comes to Momentum from Mt Eden Picture Framers, she is GCF qualified with 14 years framing experience. When you are passing do stop in and wish Malcolm well on his move across the ditch and welcome Kristy to Herne Bay! PN MOMENTUM GALLERY, 1/182 Jervois Road T: 09 376 4749 www.momentumgallery.co.nz

She was a seer and practiced traditional Maori medicine, which falls under Maori religion.

She eventually renounced the Catholic faith because the Catholics would not let her practice her Maori medicine.

Losing My Religion talks broadly about colonisation across the pacific and the conversion of pacific peoples to Catholicism and the losses that resulted.

MAX THOMSON - CONES AND CLOUDS 23 February – 6 March Ponsonby’s own wild child Max Thomson returns with a fresh look at the world that fascinates him, in his latest series of paintings, Cones and Clouds. Formerly a photographer, Max has a skilled eye and a talented ability to capture a moment of beauty, and his paintings are no exception.

Expressive landscapes are Max’s forte; each impasto rich, heavy brush stroke is full of the emotion of the very land he is portraying.

Max Thomson is a long time resident of the Ponsonby area and has a dedicated following. Don’t miss this! PN LETHAM GALLERY 35 Jervois Road T: 09 360 5217 www.lethangallery.co.nz

PURE RESTAURANT CELEBRATES FOUR YEARS ON JERVOIS ROAD “IT IS OUR 4TH BIRTHDAY AND WE’D LIKE TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY to thank all our valued customers and suppliers for their support, as well a special thank you to our loyal Maitre d’ Marleen Mandok and the rest of the Pure team.” Nadine and Stefan of Pure Restaurant.

Pure Restaurant is a lovely little neighbourhood bistro on Jervois Road where owner and chef Stefan Loetscher uses local ingredients to create simple, clean European style food. He offers homemade complimentary bread and turns fresh, seasonal products into delicious award winning dishes.

Enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner with friendly and attentive service as well as a large wine list with over 20 wines available by the glass. Nadine Loetscher you will sometimes see in the restaurant, but mostly she is behind the scenes taking care of the day to day running of the restaurant.

Nadine says many Herne Bay and Ponsonby locals have travelled overseas and so have an appreciation for what they offer at Pure. “I wouldn’t want to have my restaurant anywhere else than here. The neighbourhood supports us, the people are so friendly and thoughtful and helpful. It’s a wonderful experience being here.”

Long term, Nadine and Stefan would like to move Pure to a bigger space somewhere within the Herne Bay area but for now they will stay where they are and continue to provide beautiful food to their much loved regular customers.

PURE RESTAURANT, 186 Jervois Road T: 09 360 0714 www.purerestaurant.co.nz

74 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

75

HOROSCOPES

MISS PEARL NECLIS

♒

Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February You do need to put in the work but there could be a new romance on the horizon, if you are open to suggestions then make a start by getting rid of any excess baggage.

♓

Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March You may have to dig a very deep hole if you want to bury any family secrets that you want kept hidden otherwise something that has been niggling you won’t go away.

♈

Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April You’re always nice to people when really you don’t always have the energy or the time. If you feel like being straight for a change, it might be the right time.

♉

Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May Sometimes you feel like dodging the issues that are right in front of you but the truth always finds its way to the surface. If loved ones get hurt then at least they know where they stand.

♊ Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June

You know you have the ability to accomplish anything you want in life but your over confidence You’re always willing to take a back seat and let others take the spotlight for a while, it’s just that you have to communicate better your intention otherwise you might feel some resentment from close quarters.

♋ Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July

You don’t have to push your way into any social circle or be part of any group to be popular. You have something unique and special and only a select few know your secret.

♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August Last year had you feeling like you were in the firing line a bit too often and the break that you’ve just had has given you time to unwind and have a rest. You’ve come back strong and positive so don’t let old habits interfere with your happiness.

♍

Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September You often get mistaken for not caring and being unkind when really you are sometimes too tired to say what you feel. There’s a fine line where people’s feelings are concerned, just try and be aware of it.

♎

Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October There is always another view and your opinions may differ from others, this doesn’t mean someone always has to be right or wrong. There’s no need to always prove a point because you’re just creating animosity.

♏

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November You usually get away with pretty much anything at the moment and it’s making you cocky, however the more you do it the more you’ll expect it. Just being nice usually gets most things in life.

♐

Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December Try and alter your routine a little because the restlessness you feel may be because you’re bored doing the same old thing. It’s within you to change, so don’t hang around waiting make something happen.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

You have a great life and are thankful for everything you have, just try not to sit back and think it will last forever. If you don’t put some effort in now and again you might lose the passion.

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

77

HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

NEW YEAR, NEW FACIAL: THE MURAD IP5 AT CACI I HAVE TO CONFESS THAT I’D NEVER BEEN TO A CACI CLINIC BEFORE SETTING foot in their High Street branch at the end of 2011, despite the fact that I’d walked past their Ponsonby Road branch on numerous occasions en route to beauty hot spots like Smashbox, Servilles and the like. I’d heard of their no-nonsense approach to treatments and was rather impressed by that whole philosophy though and had received word that the new Murad IP5 Illuminating Peel Facial was the ‘ultimate in anti-ageing’ and then some.

A 60-minute treatment, the Murad IP5 60 minute facial is Caci’s most comprehensive and advanced anti-ageing facial, using Murad’s Professional range of products.

America’s first authentic doctor-developed brand, Murad remains true to the scientific principles of its founder, world-renowned dermatologist Howard Murad, M.D, who believes strongly in “inclusive health”. Using a three-pronged approach of topical, internal and emotional self-care, ‘inclusive health’ strives to make the whole body healthier by helping every cell in your body function at the optimal level. Topical care is critical to your health, as well as your appearance, because the skin is connected to every system in your body. Internal care maximizes your body’s capacity to heal itself through careful choices of food and dietary supplements that ensure your body has the building blocks it needs to produce strong, watertight cells. And the third part of the triumvirate, emotional self-care – such as a facial or professional massage – reduces your level of cell-damaging stress. All of which sounds pretty good to me!

But back to the IP5 at Caci, and what it aims to do for your largest organ. An hour on their treatment bed will see your skin is essentially “re-programmed for youthfulness” with their immune cell-stimulating Immuno-Skin Complex, while five high performance exfoliators, hydrators and brighteners rapidly resurface and rehydrate your skin. That’s a lot going on! In reality, it happened very quickly and for a peel, it came with very minimal discomfort. The delicious Vitamin C cleanser that was used to prep my skin probably helped – I definitely have to try that again, it was seriously gorgeous – as well as the minty, Cooling Recovery Mask that was applied immediately afterwards to rehydrate, rebalance and protect my newly brightened skin. I have extremely sensitive, reactive skin at even the best of times, so the fact that such a high performance facial was as comfortable as this one was gets a huge tick in my book.

And lest I forget, whilst the peel was on and doing its job, an eye mask was also applied that was full of hyaluronic microspheres to plump and hydrate. The info that came with the facial tells me that this clever formula has been proven to increase skin firmness by up to 75 per cent in just 15 minutes, which is no mean feat! While you will see immediate results after just one treatment, my therapist Taryn recommended a series of three treatments to be experienced a week apart to really get the best from IP5’s results-driven technology.

Last but not least, I left the clinic completely makeup free but with not an ounce of redness to be seen, and just an hour later my skin was truly glowing. I’ve heard the phrase flung around many times before, but the ultimate ‘lunchtime facial’ this may be… Just pop on a dusting of mineral powder and a slick of lipstick if need be and no one will be any the wiser! (HELENE RAVLICH) PN The Murad IP5 is exclusive to Caci and costs $175, to book call 0800 458 458 or visit the Ponsonby branch’s website at www.ponsonby.caci.co.nz

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

79

TONY DEY: THE HARD TOOTH – THE TRUTH ABOUT DENTISTS, DENTAL CARE AND TEETH In previous issues local dentist Dr Tony Dey covered the basics of oral health, this month he discusses advances in Cosmetic Dentistry.

Cosmetic surgery used to be a little discussed privilege of the rich and famous.

Advances in techniques and competition between providers has lowered prices and removed the stigma. It’s not quite commonplace, but certainly more accepted.

In New Zealand we have the Dental Council to ensure Dentists and Laboratories are staffed and equipped sufficiently to ensure patient safety. ACC is also in place to help protect patients, overseas medical treatment is not covered by ACC.

Aesthetic improvements to teeth and smiles started with Hollywood veneers back in the 1930s. These temporary covers were used by actors for shooting only and removed afterwards. Now dentists do permanent veneers in porcelain or direct bonding with composite resin. Porcelain usually gives the best finish and tends to last the longest, however, composite veneers can achieve some beautiful results.

It’s also very expensive and inconvenient to travel back to say, Thailand to have any problems addressed. Very much a case of buyer beware!

Careful planning, execution and follow up are very important with this type of treatment.

Having and maintaining perfect gum health is paramount.

Porcelain veneers are fabricated out of the mouth by highly skilled technicians. I use a local Ponsonby technician Labinot Xharra of Alpha Dental, his premises are on College Hill. Being able to discuss patient cases over a coffee at Santos or Salta (depending on who’s buying) is invaluable and I know he has exacting standards.

Recently there has been a tendency for people to seek this kind of treatment overseas or for dentists to send the technical work to cheap offshore laboratories.

Dentists are also branching out into other aesthetic treatments including botulinum toxin type A. This trendy chemical has both clinical and cosmetic applications. It has been widely used to treat bruxism or “tooth grinding” and most are aware of it’s anti -wrinkle applications.

By far the most common cosmetic treatment in dentistry is also the simplest - Teeth Whitening. Done properly by a Dentist or Hygienist it is safe, fast and effective.

Whitening is almost always the first step in any of my cosmetic cases at Ponsonby Dentist. (DR TONY DEY) PN PONSONBY DENTIST, 114 Ponsonby Road, Level 1 - upstairs from The Long Room T: 09 361 2060 www.ponsonbydentist.co.nz

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE USING ORGANIC AND TRADITIONAL METHODS OSTEOPATH AND ACUPUNCTURIST (TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE) Elaine Bennett qualified in 1987 in London and moved to Auckland in 2003 where she provides treatments for all ages from day old babies to the very elderly.

Elaine can treat back and neck pain, headaches, digestive disorders, menstrual problems, asthma, usually combining a therapeutic mix of osteopathy (both cranial and structural) with TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) acupuncture.

Elaine explains, “Usually find patients come in with one problem but I end up treating them for several conditions at once as one condition can be often interlinked with others. It is essential to treat and understand the cause as well as the symptoms.”

She believes that gut disorders and poor diet have a huge influence on overall health and can slow a body’s ability to heal. Acupuncture and visceral osteopathy can assist here as can a good Naturopath or Medical Herbalist.

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

Elaine is currently studying for a degree in these disciplines. She promotes and encourages exercise however brief or simple the exercise, it helps to get people moving. Hence, she has developed the sit-active cushion; the Peace Pillow. It is designed to help patients with sleep and posture and has proved to be very effected and popular. Elaine has some new and exciting health promoting products arriving this year.

Elaine studied biodynamic and Organic farming in 2008 at Taruna College, Hawkes Bay and with her family she turned their 12 acres lifestyle property into an organic, self sufficient farm. They are now living in Grey Lynn with no garden at all so her next challenge is how to turn their industrial building into a self sufficient city home.

PEACE CLINIC, 10 Maidstone Street, T: 09 376 6429. www.peaceclinic.co.nz www.peacepillows.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

81

HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO BEAUTY: MARISE HENRY COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURIST WHEN MARISE HENRY BEGAN TRAINING AS A PHYSIOTHERAPIST MANY YEARS ago, she always knew that she wanted to combine Traditional Chinese Acupuncture with her newly acquired skill set, and today she is passionate about what the two can achieve. “My interest in acupuncture and eastern philosophy began in the late 1990s when I began studying martial arts,” she tells me, “and I became fascinated in the way that Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches healing the human body.”

After studying acupuncture through the AUT postgraduate programme in 2008 she became even more passionate about traditional Chinese acupuncture as a way of promoting health and wellbeing. “The holistic approach to health aligns well with my personal view of how body and mind are integrated; the practice of acupuncture facilitates treatment or restoration on just so many levels.”

Over a year ago she travelled to Australia to study the art of Cosmetic Acupuncture, which is how I first came into contact with this very special woman and her work.

Cosmetic acupuncture utilises traditional Chinese acupuncture techniques to rejuvenate your appearance, and studies have shown that it can have a real impact on fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, dry and dull skin, skin damage, drooping eyelids, sagging jowls and dark circles. It will even out skin tone and texture and can reduce the appearance of scars, which is what I have been seeing Marise for.

The treatment is natural and safe, and uses ultra fine acupuncture needles in targeted areas to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, encouraging it to heal and repair. The quality of connective tissues is improved, and collagen production and alignment is optimised. With the increase in qi and blood to the area, a super radiant, glowy look starts to take over, and you feel a million dollars to boot!

In Marise’s words: “Cosmetic acupuncture is a holistic approach to health and beauty.

The whole person is treated using appropriate points in the body to improve vitality and restore balance. The treatment incorporates the body, mind and spirit, and therefore encourages other health benefits, such as improved sleep, better digestion, less stress, and an increased sense of wellbeing.” And who doesn’t like the sound of that?

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

If you’re keen on a consultation and to give cosmetic acupuncture a try, you’ll start by detailing your health history for Marise who will then diagnose your face using Ruri facial diagnosis. This system reads the face to reveal an internal health report.

People’s faces age according to corresponding problems in the body, so it’s important to correctly diagnose your face before treatment gets underway.

The needles are left in place for approximately 20 minutes, and I strongly advise that you take a couple of Panadol thirty minutes before in case of any pain. You can also have ‘plum-blossoming’ afterwards, which is another special technique that maximises the results.

“The needles reinvigorate the qi and stimulate collagen, and then plum blossoming takes it that much farther,” she explains, “creating a little cascade of healing.” The last step is a relaxing facial massage using 100 per cent pure, organic Rosehip oil.

To really see results Marise recommends a course of weekly sessions for 10 to 15 weeks, and you’ll definitely start to notice a different in your skin texture and a sparkle in your eye a little more with every treatment. The softening of lines generally begins after four to five treatments, as this is how long it takes for new collagen to be produced and for your skin cells to be renewed.

There is a small risk of bruising and for this reason, cosmetic acupuncture is not recommended for those on blood-thinning medications. It is also not recommended for those with very high blood pressure, if you suffer migraines, or are pregnant.

I love the fact that I leave feeling like I’m walking on air after a treatment, and that can last several days. “People get the cosmetic benefits of acupuncture but often comment on the systemic benefits as well,” she says with a smile. “People look better so they feel better, and they feel better so they look better… and wellbeing is a pretty nice side effect to have!” (HELENE RAVLICH) PN For bookings T: 09 378 0156 or email marisehenry@yahoo.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ASK PLANET AYURVEDA GREEN YOUR SCENE Teza the award-winning awar iced tea brand, is p pioneering a movement to ‘Green Your Scene’. Over summer Teza will be giving out hun hundreds of little plants from ttheir grassy vans, as well as a ice-cold Tezas to lucky luck passers-by in central Auckland.

The idea is for Auc people peop to have a living plant on their desk to help clean the air and beautify their w workplace.

While best bes known for their all-natural the company also gets iced tea range, r involved in community driven activities. their used tea leaves From donating don growing group Ooooby, to the local lo volunteers, the founders and providing morning tea to Habitat for Humanity Huma of the company have always wanted to be more than just another profitdriven company.

Although the Teza range has always been all-natural and brewed using real leaf tea, the company recently made the switch to using organic tea. PN More information can be found on www.tezadrinks.com or join their 12,000 followers on Facebook www.facebook.com/tezadrinks

Q:

I recently saw you on Your Tube extolling the virtues of Ghee. I am not a nutritionist but my understanding is that Ghee is a saturated fat, which is one of the leading causes of heart disease. If this is the case, why do you recommend its use? (L. REID, Ponsonby)

A:

You are right that Ghee is a saturated fat and that a high percentage of saturated fat in a person’s diet is a contributory factor in cardiovascular disease. However, more recent research has shown that not all saturated fats are bad (a fact recognized by Ayurveda for centuries) and has pointed to other fats, particularly trans-fats, as more damaging to our health.

Before I answer your question I would like to briefly mention why we need fat in our diet. Fat is not only an energy source it is a way the body stores energy. It is used to provide insulation as well as providing support and protection to organs. It provides insulation to nervous tissue and assists in the transmission of nervous impulses.

We need fat so our bodies can absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A and E and produce hormones like estrogen. It is critical in the permeability of cellular membranes, allowing cells to access nutrients. Finally, it provides flavour and texture to food and gives us a greater sense of satisfaction from eating by allowing food to stay in the stomach longer.

While there is universal agreement on the need for some fat intake, debate has raged over what is healthy and unhealthy fat. Early research revealed a high intake of saturated fats as a contributory factor in heart disease and recommended the use of polyunsaturated fats. However, there is now increasing evidence linking polyunsaturated fats with cardiovascular disease and obesity due to their high levels of free radicals. Free radicals create oxidized fats or lipid peroxide, which damage cells and trigger atherosclerosis.

Now it is generally agreed that monounsaturated fats found in olive and mustard oils are the healthiest forms of fat, when consumed in moderation. However, research has again turned to saturated fats, particularly short chain fatty acids like those found in ghee and their apparent health benefits.

While Ghee is a saturated fat, it is principally composed of short chain fatty acids, compared with longer chains in other animal fats, such as beef fat. It is the longer chain fatty acids that are associated with blood clotting and thrombosis. Short chain fatty acids are not only easier to digest, they help hormone production and strengthen cell membranes.

Studies in both rats and humans have shown that short chain fatty acids can lower serum cholesterol levels by increasing the secretion of biliary lipids, one way the body can remove excess cholesterol. As well as saturated fat, Ghee consists of 25% monounsaturated fat (the healthy fat according to modern nutrition) and a relatively low 5% polyunsaturated fat.

Ghee is also an excellent source of anti-oxidants, which prevent free radical damage.

When heated, other fats, particularly polyunsaturated fat, oxidize and release free radicals at low temperatures. However, Ghee’s smoke point (the temperature at which oil burns, generating oxidation and free radicals) is 190C, making it one of the safest fats in which to fry.

Finally, Ghee is a source of Vitamins A and E, both of which are only bio-available in fat. The only other edible fat containing Vitamin A is fish oil so Ghee is an important source of this vitamin, especially for lacto-vegetarians.

Ayurvedic wisdom is unequivocal that ghee is an important part of a healthy diet. It nourishes all the body’s tissues and creates Ojas, our essence that strengthens the immune system. Thanks to its superb penetrating qualities, it can travel deep into the body, nourishing us at a cellular level. Interestingly, ghee’s rate of absorption (digestibility coefficient) is calculated at 96%, the highest of all oils and fats. It keeps the digestive tract lubricated, reduces flatulence and bloating and aids in the elimination of waste products. What is truly special about Ghee is that it flames the digestive fire without aggravating Pitta.

One or two teaspoonfuls of ghee daily are considered enough to nourish and support our bodies. However, Ayurveda being a science of that acknowledges that each of us is unique, recognizes that even something as wholesome as ghee is not always considered healthy. It is contraindicated for people with a Kapha aggravation and should be used sparingly by the overweight. PN Watch me prepare Ghee on Planet Ayurveda’s YouTube Channel, PlanetAyurvedaNZ. PLANET AYURVEDA, 41 Gillies Avenue T: 09 522 5390 www.planetayurveda.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

83

DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE (NEAR HAMILTON!) It started around 6.00pm on Christmas Eve, just soon after I had finished work. The symptoms were not rare, I have to say, but they were intense and relentless, and I am still having a problem with the side effects, and this has made it nigh on impossible to go to ‘Anytime Fitness’, even though they are open.

The diagnoses was ‘Sleat Disease’, and I could not shake this bug throughout the whole of the holidays, and thus, most of it was spent in bed with a book. I spoke with many friends, and was surprised at the amount of them that had it also.

We were not sure if we had caught it through the air-conditioning system at work, or whether this almost super bug was transmitted through another medium.

I feel just terrible, and know I have to return to Armin at ‘Anytime Fitness’ soon, just to try and get my fitness levels back on track, as at the moment they have just evaporated.

I walk along Ponsonby Road and there are the hordes of people, mostly women, at all times of the day, starting at ridiculously early hours of the morning, and they look like an army of clones, marching to their own tune.

Blonde hair, slim, over 40, kited out in their new ‘Lulu Lemon’ walk/dance/run/hop/skip/ jump/yoga attire and they are walking at a great pace down the street, with a baseball hat perched on the top of their heads like some 90s rapper. clutching for dear life the obligatory bottle of water in their hands just in case they dehydrate and pass out before they reach water, as I am sure we all know how hard water is to find on the strip.

These clones would have been incredibly careful of everything they did over Christmas, unlike me, who seemed to pop into friends every day only to be greeted by vast amounts of food, which were, I felt, forcibly washed down my throat with fine wine, and I sat there and let it all happen.

When I got home, the disease seemed to rear its ugly head again, and I had to go and lie down with a book. The clones I fear, suffered none of the symptoms of this shocking disease.

I emailed Armin just to let him know I was still alive (just, hanging by a thread) and that I would be back. He immediately emailed back with a time to attend a class.... So next week it is. I shall wax lyrically about my illness, `and I know he will have very little sympathy, and make me do numerous push ups and crunches, when the only crunch I want to hear, is food being masticated between my teeth.

‘Sleat Disease’ is the inability to stop sleeping and eating, and it comes on quicker than you can say Jack Rabbit. You eat, lie down with a book, and suddenly, you feel like a fairy has sprinkled you with sleep dust from her large wand, and off you go, into this wonderful slumber, and do not have to be woken by the sound of the alarm. Your eyes slowly open at their own pace when you are ready to eat again, and so it goes on.

It has been hard, and I hope at least the readers of Ponsonby News will feel great gentleness with my plight, and wish me a full and speedy recovery by next month.

(DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET) PN ANYTIME FITNESS, 100 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 5488 www.anytimefitness.co.nz

I watch them and sigh, not in envy, being a clone has never appealed to me, and I know they would not have had big piles of glorious food over Christmas, or even gallons of champagne, but would have watched every morsel and drop that passed their lips.

I also know, especially as I am in the world of fashion design, that I too should pay far more attention to my attire when I venture out to the gym, but I have to be honest, it is a wonder Armin has not gone into cardiac arrest with my outfit.

My leggings are non other than K-Mart’s! They cost me the grand total of $10.00 each, and I care not a jot that Pebbles tells me you can see my big white Nana knickers through the lycra, I am there to get fit, I am not on the catwalk.

The downside to strenuous exercise is that they split. First up the bum, then through the crutch. I really do need to get a needle and thread to them, but feel the holes show just how hard I workout, and if you are looking at the holes in my gym gear, then you are not concentrating on what you should be doing!

84 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING SLOPPING ON THE SUNSCREEN IS NOT ENOUGH IT SEEMS THE SUN-SAFE MESSAGE OF SLIP, SLOP, SLAP AND WRAP IS NOT getting through to many New Zealanders, resulting in sunburn and increased risk of melanoma and skin cancer. BBQ weather is here. It’s mid-summer and ultra-violet (UV) radiation is at its most dangerous, which means it’s easy to barbeque your skin. Don’t think a quick application of sunscreen means you are 100% protected and you can stay out in the sun for longer. It is just one of four steps that need to be taken to protect yourself from skin damage.

GET IN SHAPE AT ANYTIME FITNESS PONSONBY THE CLUB HAS ONLY BEEN OPEN SEVEN MONTHS BUT HAS BEEN PROVING popular among locals with membership sales exceeding expectations. One of the owners, Nigel Wilson says, “it’s mainly due to our affordable and convenient operation and free 24/7 access to over 1700 clubs around the world. We get great feedback from our members and we try hard to nurture a warm and friendly environment that makes working out enjoyable whatever time you choose to exercise.”

Co-owner Steve Opitz says, “now is the perfect time to get in shape and our personal trainers are always looking for new talent to transform flab to toned shape! We service our cars, refurbish the home but we don’t always invest in our bodies; regular exercise delivers more energy for today’s busy lifestyles as well as making you look better. Ask the team at Anytime Fitness Ponsonby how they can help!”

Pictured above; Glen and Anita Alder, Franchisees of Anytime Fitness Cashmere in Christchurch, Chuck Runyon: CEO and Co- founder of Anytime Fitness with Steve Opitz and Nigel Wilson Co-Owners of Anytime Fitness Ponsonby accepting the spirit award at the Anytime Fitness conference held in Queenstown late last year. Nigel says, “we were very excited to receive this award which goes to the club that embraces the values and passion of Anytime Fitness the most within a country. We know we had some tough competition so it was a great honour and makes all the hard work worth it.”

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

1. Wear closely woven clothing - long sleeves, long trousers, or a long skirt.

2. Apply sunscreen to all uncovered skin at least 15 minutes before you go outside.

3. Put on a broad-brimmed hat.

4. Wear sunnies – wrap-around sunglasses are best.

According to NIWA, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, if the sky remains clear over Auckland today, the UV index will reach a staggering 14, which is classified as Extreme UV. The situation is very similar over much of the country and can be expected to follow this trend for the rest of the summer.

Sunscreen is not a magic potion. Stephanie Kimpton, Managing Director of sunscreen specialists, Oasis Beauty NZ, says that it’s frustrating that people are relying solely on sunscreen to protect them. “We live in a country where the UV rays are the strongest in the world. Whilst most sunscreens are effective, it’s not a magic potion. People need to heed the sun-smart message more closely and use their sunscreen accordingly.

Just yesterday, I read a Facebook comment that said, “I recommend Oasis sunscreen!

I have been outside in the sun all day today and I’m fine!” Whilst it’s great feedback, it makes me nervous. Was this person wearing a hat, sunnies and a shirt too? I hope so.”

“Being in the sunscreen business brings great responsibility to ensure our customers are as safe as possible in the sun. All sunscreen companies should be accountable to ensure their products are effective and independently tested. This includes enforcing the sun-safe message at every opportunity as the majority of skin cancer can be prevented by careful sun protection and sunscreen is only one part of that picture.” PN www.oasisbeauty.co.nz

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

85

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

DISCOVER YOUR TRUE STRENGTH AT TRUE PILATES Pilates is a full body exercise programme developed over 80 years ago by legendary physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates. It is a series of more than 500 controlled movements engaging the mind and body and is performed on mats and specifically designed exercise apparatus developed by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920s.

At True Pilates, we are dedicated to continuing the teachings of Joseph H. Pilates. Time has proven the system works, through changing exercise fads and attitudes about body shape and fitness, Joseph’s method has proven to be reliable, safe and effective.

If you have not done Pilates before, we recommend ‘The Starter Pack for Beginners’.

This is a great way to get a really good feel and understanding of the exercises in a personal one-on-one session, tailored for you by our certified instructors. True Pilates focus is on quality, not quantity; so you are always getting the benefit.

Think of your workouts and lessons as servicing your body and mind. When you keep the body moving and exercising, it ‘oils the joints’ and helps with everyday activities.

Whatever your body shape, size or fitness level, you will benefit from Pilates.

True Pilates would like to welcome Amanda, our first apprentice to the team.

Amanda has recently passed her first exam and will continue observing, practising and teaching her clients over the next few months. We wish her all the best, as it’s a tough apprenticeship! PN For more information contact Helen at TRUE PILATES NZ, 2/5 Seymour Street, St Mary’s Bay.T: 09 376 7203 www.truepilatesnz.co.nz

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

A TAILOR-MADE FRENCH TREAT AT MORE THAN SKIN LET’S FACE IT: THE FRENCH HAVE ACHIEVED UNPARALLELED HEIGHTS OF status and prestige when it comes to all things style, sophistication and glamour related. There’s a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ surrounding this alluring country, and their inexplicable ‘throwaway chic’ that worships at the altar (or atelier) of beauty.

As the exclusive Ponsonby stockist of DECLÉOR, France’s premier Aroma-skin care brand and the undisputed experts in Cosmetic Aromatherapy, the therapists at More Than Skin Urban Spa understand the important role a beautiful complexion plays in your overall appearance. Accordingly, with DECLÉOR’s sponsorship they have created a luxurious offer this month to introduce the signature ‘Hydrating Aroma Ritual’ treatment to you.

As many of you may know (and regularly enjoy) More Than Skin specialises in highly effective and results-driven DECLÉOR facials. Beginning with a relaxing back massage, the ‘Hydrating Aroma Ritual’ then continues with a deluxe facial specifically designed for your skin type. Including a generous selection of free goodies, this treatment provides skin with an instant beauty boost infused with a little Parisian charm.

You’ll enjoy an Aroma Essence facial (75 minutes), a FREE lash tint and brow shape, plus you’ll receive a FREE Hydra Floral ‘Flower Essence’ Mask to take home, all for only $135 – a total value of over $270!

Call Megs today on T: 09 361 2231 for more information.

Don’t forget that MORE THAN SKIN also have a range of beautifully packaged vouchers available for the perfect, romantically pampering gift this Valentine’s Day.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

87

LIVING, THINKING + BEING EVOLU OPEN IN WILLIAMSON AVENUE Christmas 2011 came early for Ponsonby News Fashion Editor Julie Roulston. In her last working week of the year publisher Martin handed her the plumb job of experiencing an evolu facial at the company’s new Williamson Avenue flagship. What’s more, the facialist was to be warm and charming founder Kati Kasza herself.

Readers unfamiliar with this New Zealand made botanical skincare brand, may not even be aware of just how local they are.

Here’s the background: former flight attendant Kati Kasza launched evolu in 1997 – she had needed something natural to combat the challenges of flying herself and there was nothing ‘beautiful and sophisticated’ available. She developed a small batch of products with botanical ingredients - pure essential oils and plant extracts, and spring water.

A child of Hungarian refugee parents who had lost everything and had to rebuild, Kati attributes her entrepreneurial streak to her upbringing. Her Dad was a winemaker and her Mum a herbalist (and at the time the President of the Auckland Herb Society).

We love the fact that Kati’s mother has moved into the neighbourhood from Mt Eden.

Brought up to believe in the European food ethic of ‘quality, not quantity’, when Kati mixed up her first batch, her take on what she was doing, was that this was food for the skin. She compares it to creating a recipe, with selected ingredients chosen for their benefits. Fewer ingredients of high quality mean higher potency, plus you get to smell each and every one. “It blew me away! The most exciting, beautiful thing!”

What started as a well funded hobby turned into a business, eventually seeing Kati’s husband Paul Westlake move out of his advertising agency job and into evolu.

An early major event for the business was the contract to supply evolu to Air New Zealand’s First and Business Class travellers. Evolu was also promoted alongside the ‘New Zealand Four’ (fashion designers Karen Walker, Nom*D, Zambesi and WORLD) at London Fashion Week in 1999 and as a result distributed to a department store chain in England. However, Kati says in hindsight the product was ahead of its time too early to market, if you will.

The company pulled back and underwent significant product, HR and team/cultural development. Nowadays evolu boasts a still-tight team of 10, and is stocked in department stores, Farmers, Pharmacies (our local Three Lamps Unichem being one of them), Duty Free and online. Kati is proud of the evolu emblem, inspired by the cross-section of a seed and symbolic of balance. In addition to skincare, the evolu range encompasses body and handcare, haircare, and sun protection.

The brand exports to Chile, Singapore, and soon to Korea and Taiwan but not Australia – “they’re too parochial,” laughs Kati. She says that Asia represents an exciting developing market for natural products.

Evolu’s online sales come from all over the world and ‘e’-customers are often New Zealanders who have gone overseas.

Not one to stand still, Kati’s beauty therapy studies led her to developing an in-salon range for her brand.

Evolu has chosen the corner of Williamson and Scanlan Streets to house her carbon zero company’s first flagship. “We live in the next street and have virtually always lived and worked in the area,” says Kati.

“The building has an amazing feel, wooden and open, and we like the sense of community the shared space generates.” She stresses that the ethics and passion she personally draws upon, are very present at evolu HQ. All evolu product is picked and packed onsite, and the premises are also open to the public – plus, you can get to have a facial from Kati herself - a very special and luxurious experience, vouches Julie – or other handpicked facialists.

Readers of Ponsonby news can enjoy evolu treatments even more this month with a Valentine’s Day Special Offer. Luxurious natural facials are available by appointment, with 50% of the treatment fee redeemable on product. All facials to be booked for the month of February 2012. PN EVOLU BOTANICAL SKINCARE, 36 Williamson Avenue T: 09 376 725 www.evolu.com

88 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CLARE CALDWELL

THE ART OF LIVING

If our planet was observed from deep space today, how would this moment in time be recorded?

amazingly, they seem to be self-aware! (an area of brain evolution until now considered to be exclusively human).

Would our legacy be we were predominantly aggressive and self-serving? Plundering each other, the myriads of life-forms and our beautifully balanced and fragile Planet Earth as if it and we were capable of endless self-renewal? Or would we have chosen a more enlightened, sustainable way of living, thinking and being?

I believe they’re gifts from the universe. They’re not here just to protect us, they also need our protection. All these points are poignantly illustrated in the lovely movie currently screening called “A Dolphin Tale”. So how do we continue to utilise this dolphin energy within ourselves and around the planet? Maybe that’s one of our greatest and most urgent challenges in this year of 2012.

Human nature seems to create a longing to be part of something greater than self. In spiritual traditions the pre-requisite for ascension of self is always to quieten the mind from its ceaseless churning and negativity. In this stillness we can achieve insight and enlightenment. So what interventions might help guide us in that direction?

One of the most life-changing and enlightening interventions I’ve experienced was swimming with dolphins. Opening my heart and mind in total trust as a pod of wild dolphins glided towards me, I experienced the euphoria of being surrounded by unconditional love. Being around dolphins teaches us things. It changes how we want to be in the world.

CLARE (CLAUDIE) CALDWELL is a Creative Arts Therapist who runs a small private practice from home. She is Voluntary Team Leader of Creative Therapies at Mercy Hospice Auckland, College Hill where she has worked for the last ten years. She is also a Freelance Artist. PN Enquiries: T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171; E:clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com

In legends from many ancient civilisations these beautiful, intelligent and altruistic creatures have long been depicted as a major force for good and protection in the world – a belief still held by many indigenous cultures today.

Dolphins are telepaths, which requires the mind to be meditative – uncluttered, serene and in the moment. Our mutual abilities to transmit emotions and mind pictures telepathically creates “conversations” between dolphins and humans.

Dolphins have existed on this planet virtually unchanged for millions of years. The outcomes of international studies on interspecies communication and the genetic links between dolphins and people, may provide new insights into our primordial origins and change forever how humanity perceives itself.

Dolphins appear to have achieved an enlightened state of mind. They are happy, playful, trusting, loving, compassionate, social, at one with their environment and

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

89

JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

A FEW THOUGHTS ON COENZYME Q10 OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO CREATE AWARENESS OF a nutrient that has for many reasons not achieved the recognition it deserves. I have been talking Nationwide on Newstalk ZB about Coenzyme Q10 a vitamin like substance that was first discovered by an American Scientist in the middle of last century.

I first came across Coenzyme Q10 in 1999 when I was looking for ways to avoid the cardiovascular health problems that my parents suffered and which ultimately ended their lives prematurely. When I started reading about CoQ10, I was stunned that with so much information available, this vital nutrient was not attracting the attention of mainstream medicine. The first book I read about Coenzyme Q10 was by renowned Immunologist Dr Emile Bliznakov and titled ‘The Miracle Nutrient Coenzyme Q10’.

The next was ‘The Coenzyme Q10 Phenomenon’ by American Cardiologist Dr Stephen Sinatra.

It was hard not to get really excited; I felt as though I had made a significant discovery myself. My next step was to join the International Coenzyme Q10 Association - a group of scientists and doctors from some 35 countries who get together every two years to discuss their latest findings. They didn’t seem to mind having a layperson tagging along. It says something for CoQ10 that it has its own International Association. I have attended conferences in Los Angeles, Osaka and Brussels since 2005 and now I have a pretty good feel for Dr Bliznakov’s ‘Miracle Nutrient’. On two occasions I was fortunate to meet Dr Fred Crane who discovered CoQ10 way back in 1957.

So what is Coenzyme Q10? CoQ10 is a ubiquitous (found everywhere) vitamin like substance found in almost all living cells. Because it’s essential for all life on earth it’s made in the body. If it weren’t it would be known as Vitamin Q. CoQ10 is best known for its role in facilitating the production of energy in all of our cells. It works like the spark plug in a car engine triggering the burning of the fuel which makes the engine run.

All of our cells need energy to function and the cellular fuel they use is known as ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). In every cell we have tiny organelles known as Mitochondria which are the energy ‘factories’ for the cell. In cells which have high demands for

energy e.g. heart cells, CoQ10 is very important and this is why heart cells have many more Mitochondria (thousands) than say skin cells. It’s easy to understand just how important CoQ10 is when we imagine what could go wrong if our cells were not able to produce the energy that they need to function optimally. When a torch has a flat battery the light is dim.

CoQ10 has another very important role in protecting the DNA in the Mitochondria from damage (mutation) which occurs normally due to aging but more importantly due to our living in the chemical ‘soup’ that is life in the 21st century. CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant.

At the International Conferences much of the discussion focuses on cardiovascular health and the use of CoQ10 for patients with heart failure hypertension – heart rhythm and valve problems. There is also much discussion about a role for Q10 with Parkinson’s disease and other Neurological diseases.

Such is the interest in Parkinson’s that researchers in New Zealand obtained millions in funding to develop a patentable form of CoQ10 that could be sold as a drug for treating Parkinson’s disease. There was much hype around this but by all accounts the project failed. This is very sad because the implication is that CoQ10 has failed. I often hear it said that there is insufficient evidence to recommend CoQ10 as a treatment option.

To me this is nonsense; 50+ years of research must count for something. With CoQ10 being a totally safe and side effect free option why wouldn’t anyone want to try it as an alternative especially when expensive and often toxic drugs are not effective? A review of the pure science of Coenzyme Q10 should ring anyone’s bell unless they have a totally closed mind.

My experience with CoQ10 over the past 14 years has led me to believe that Coenzyme Q10 is one of the most exciting discoveries of our time. It is available readily as a supplement with the most advanced form known as Ubiquinol (the active form). For anyone interested in learning more about Coenzyme Q10 I have a very interesting e-book that I can either email or post. You can also visit my website www.coq10.co.nz (JOHN APPLETON) PN APPLETON ASSOCIATES T: 09 489 9362 www.johnappleton.co.nz

MARIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL, HERNE BAY THANKS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MARIST SCHOOL HERNE BAY IS A SMALL STATE-INTEGRATED CATHOLIC primary school of 160 pupils. The School was established in Kelmarna Avenue, Herne Bay in 1928. We are thrilled to be able to thank our community for donating towards our “Join Hands” Tile Artwork and Senior Playground that we have just built for our school.

The tiles in our artwork represent the wider Marist School family. Every child at Marist has a tile with their handprint on it and these tiles have been amalgamated together to create a pernanent fixture on a wall by our playgound. In the July edition of Ponsonby News we asked past pupils of our School and our wider community to be part of our final artwork and have their name or their business name fired on a tile to be included in our final ‘Join Hands’ artwork. We approached local businesses too and were thrilled with the support of so many in our local Ponsonby community. We would love to thank the following businesses for their generosity in making our playground a reality and it is fantastic to see their names on a tile alongside all the childrens handprints.

A BIG THANK YOU TO: Harcourts Team Ponsonby, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants, Icing on the Cake, World Journeys, Charlies Trading Co Ltd, Merino Kids, Unlimited Potential Real Estate, Video Ezy Ponsonby, SPQR, Amcal Ponsonby Pharmacy, The Garnet Rd Foodstore, Silverfern Landscapes, EziBuy, Cowan NZ Ltd, Hauraki Gulf Law, The Food Room, L J Hooker Ponsonby, The Wine Vault, La Madu, Thread Design, Westmere Pharmacy, The Ale House, Herne Bay Pharmacy, Franklin Road, Grey Lynn R.S.C, Insulation Installers, Five loaves & two fish, Liquid Studios, Flame Products, CRS Management, Coast New Zealand, Kidactive, re:ab, Hoffman Plumbers Ltd, Soho Wine Co, Westpac Ponsonby, Vincent, The Garden Party, Andiamo, Dan Joint Builders Ltd, Blockhead visual effects, GreyLynn Vetcare, Placemakers Cook Street and ASB Ponsonby.

Our fundraiser has created a playground which encourages creativity, physical wellbeing and a place to socialise for all school pupils. It enhances our school and blends beautifully in with the field and trees. The most exciting part has been to see all the children having so much fun playing on it. It shows that the true giving spirit is alive and well in our community. A big thank you from all the Marist Catholic School Children. PN

90 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

91

FUTURE GENERATION YOUTH EMPIRE PRESENTS THEIR NEW SINGLE “CHANGE” Following their internet parody pop hit ‘Nek Minnit’ which has received over 100,000 You-tube hits, TV and Radio play, it hit #30 on the NZ iTunes Charts and #11 on the RIANZ NZ Singles Chart 2011 last year.

Youth Empire has literally ‘changed’ the tune with this new song proving there’s no box big enough to fit them in. Back with some emcee rapping and high production quality videos. The lyrics and music produced by lead recording artist Tumehe Rongonui in the week leading up to the elections are provoking and deep. “At times we all know what it feels like... to go through struggles – I speak from personal experience of this year – but now it’s time to reach out to the next generation and show support.”

Alluding to the underlying issues such as Violence, Peer pressure, Drug addictions, Depression and Suicide. Tumehe has spent time with a lot of New Zealand’s youth, who have just in this year alone lost more than one friend or family member to violence and suicide.

Both Tumehe and his dynamic partner Serena Jane (said to be New Zealand’s answer to Nicki Minaj) seeing the work Youthline does in New Zealand decided “that half the proceeds made from this song will go to this charitable organisation. It’s the practical application of what this song is all about.”

Youth Empire has partnered with Youthline to donate 50% of all iTunes sales to support the work they do and have done in our country for the last 40 years. “Our aim is to make it #1... It’s a pretty exciting initiative” says Andrea Morgan from Youthline.

Tumehe and Youth Empire all agree that “the best investment you could make is in the next generation – the future of this country.” PN “Change” is now available on iTunes www.bit.ly/tDubWf Video Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EVLSBNZ_eY

MONTESSORI TAPS INTO A CHILD’S POTENTIAL Google co-founder Sergei Brin, Jacqueline Onassis, George Clooney, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Prince William and Harry all have one thing in common – they were all Montessori educated.

But Grey Lynn couple Justin Edgar and Rebecca Greenough didn’t need celebrity alumni to make them passionate about the learning method. Following extensive research and planning, they have opened Grey Lynn’s new Montessori pre-school, Little Engines.

The pair has created a stunning educational space for children aged three to six to learn via the approach developed by Dr Maria Montessori. With the mantra ‘follow the child’, Montessori places emphasis on children directing their own course of learning.

Trained teacher Rebecca first saw the benefits of the method when attending a Montessori pre-school while assisting a special needs child.

‘I saw the kids being taught what much older kids were learning and they were having fun with it,’ says the mum of three, who along with Justin will manage Little Engines.

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

JUSTIN and REBECCA EDGAR of LITTLE ENGINES, Montessori Pre-School

The team has designed a clean, fresh space for young minds to work at their best.

The rooms – decorated with a combined emphasis on fun and learning – are filled with beautiful materials creating an inquisitive and nurturing environment.

“The success of a Montessori environment is watching children joyfully engaged in purposeful play”, Justin says.

A large outdoor area packed with equipment and activities flows from the teaching area and overlooks Grey Lynn Primary School.

The school has a license for 50 children and its seven passionate teachers will be lead by experienced head teacher, Mamatha Kumar. PN LITTLE ENGINES, 56 Surrey Crescent T: 09 378 9502 www.little-engines.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

93

FUTURE GENERATION YOUTHTOWN PARTNERS WITH BASKETBALL AUCKLAND Youthtown has partnered with Basketball Auckland in an effort to encourage inner city basketball enthusiasts to get active with the help from a Tall Black who began his career at Youthtown.

The Youthtown City Basketball Club will join Basketball Auckland’s four other Auckland-based satellite clubs offering a range of basketball programmes for youth who don’t have access to a local team or club. Tall Black guard Lindsay Tait will run these programmes and offer coaching advice to participating basketball fans.

The basketball programme will be run from Youthtown’s central branch on Nelson Street from February 2012 for anyone in years seven to 13 who is keen to get involved. Along with in-house coaching programmes and competitions there will be an opportunity for Youthtown players to compete against teams from other satellite clubs on a Saturday morning.

Lindsay Tait is excited to be back at the place where his 21 year career in basketball first began. “I started shooting hoops at Youthtown when I was only eight years old,” says Lindsay. “It feels great to be back in the gym working with these kids who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to play.

“After 21 years of playing it’s great to be in a position to share my love and passion for the sport with these kids and show them exactly what they can achieve if they put their minds to it,” he adds.

Youthtown CEO, Keith Thorpe, says: “We are delighted to have entered into a partnership with Basketball Auckland. It fits perfectly with the Youthtown philosophy of enriching the lives of young New Zealanders through physical, social and creative experiences.

“Youthtown has a long history with the sport, running basketball leagues in Auckland for many years before Basketball Auckland was established. We look forward to getting as many young, aspiring players through the door as possible and watching their progress like we have done with Lindsay.”

Basketball Auckland General Manager John McGregor is excited about the partnership with Youthtown which will encourage youth participation in the game.

“This opportunity will enable Basketball Auckland to continue to develop and strengthen the sport among youth within Auckland,” he adds. “Given Youthtown’s history and past experience it seemed like a logical move and acquiring the services of Tall Black and NBL player Lindsay Tait is a real coup.” PN For more information about Youthtown, go to www.youthtown.org.nz.

For programme or open day information and to register, go to www.basketballauckland.co.nz.

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

MOTAT VISITORS HELP FAMILIES IN NEED MOTAT brought Christmas cheer to thousands of underprivileged Kiwi homes thanks to the generosity of the Museum’s many visitors during the holiday period.

MOTAT visitors donated more than 6,600 gifts to families supported by the Auckland City Mission and Ronald McDonald House Auckland.

MOTAT Museum Director Jeremy Hubbard said that from the start of December until Christmas visitors were invited to purchase and donate a gift from MOTAT’s gift shop instead of paying an admission fee. Gifts ranged from board games and books to toy cars and activity kits, promising families hours of Christmas fun.

Proceeds from the popular MOTAT Nights, Christmas Lights events also contributed to the gift donations to the charities.

“MOTAT believes that everyone should be able to celebrate Christmas no matter what their situation. We’re absolutely thrilled we had the opportunity to make this a reality for so many families,” said Mr Hubbard.

Auckland City Mission fundraiser James Holt said that the gifts and donations were very well received on Christmas Day. “People were delighted that they were able to receive or give a loved one a present.

Without this support, many families might have missed out on celebrating Christmas so it was wonderful to see the joyful spirit alive and kicking at the Auckland City Mission,” said Mr Holt.

Ronald McDonald House Auckland CEO, Wayne Howett was also grateful to MOTAT and its visitors for being so thoughtful, given that Christmas is often a tough financial time. “We had many families staying with us during Christmas so it was a relief for stressed parents who didn’t have to go out and buy presents for their children,” said Mr Howett.

This is the sixth year MOTAT has partnered with the community to raise gifts for those less fortunate at Christmas time. This year, the programme raised 1,786 more gifts than last year and monetary donations were up 70 percent. PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

DON’T MISS THE MARCH PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE

COPY DEADLINE: Monday, 20 February PUBLISHED: Friday, 2 March (Please be on time, as any material arriving after deadline may incur a 20% surcharge)

SPECIAL FEATURES: VIVA ITALIA – ITALIAN INFLUENCES + FOCUS ON KINGSLAND + FASHION / NEW SEASON SHOES + TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS WWW.PONSONBYNEWS.CO.NZ The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

95

KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND INTERIOR DESIGN ASK ROB@BUILDSPACE.CO.NZ

Q:

We are planning a new kitchen and would like to achieve a clean modern look with no handles. There seem to be a few different options to achieve this look, can you give us a little advice around the advantages and disadvantages of the different systems?

Handle free kitchens provide a clean, modern aesthetic which is popular particularly in modern homes, but increasingly also in Villa and Bungalow renovations. The most common ways to achieve the look is with a negative detail or push to open door and drawer systems. There are some drawbacks with both systems but if you are prepared to forgo a little in terms of practicality, you can create a clean, no handle look.

A:

Standard surface mounted handles are usually a metal finish which makes them easy to clean and there is no question it’s easier to open a cabinet by getting your hand in behind a handle to pull open, especially with soft close drawers which often have a slight resistance when opening.

A drawback with handle free kitchens is that you have to touch a door or drawer to open which means a little more effort to keep cabinets clean. And it’s therefore important to consider the material and finish of your cabinets. Timber veneers and some lacquer finishes are more prone to finger marking and less easy to clean than products like Thermo Wrapped Vinyl, Melamine or Melteca.

Push to open doors generally use a magnetic or catch system which is disengaged when the door is pushed. This system uses a negative sprung hinge which means the door hinge will push the door open once the magnet or catch is disengaged, unlike a standard hinge which is positive sprung to pull the door closed. Drawers work in much the same way and both doors and drawers are closed by pushing back into the closed position to engage the magnet or catch. The push to open catches are prone to breaking and although the latest systems are much better than earlier types, to my mind they require too much maintenance to be a practical option in a hard working

kitchen. You may find it amusing when friends are unsure how to open your kitchen cabinets, but less so if they don’t ask how and try to pull a door open which is a sure way to break the catch. Another disadvantage with push to open is there are few options for soft close drawers which work effectively. Hettich make a great electronic push to open drawer system called Easys which opens with the lightest touch anywhere on the drawer front, but it does add cost and complexity which won’t suit everyone.

Handle free kitchens which use a negative detail commonly use a metal extrusion which runs between the top of the cabinet carcase and underside of the benchtop. The tops of the doors and drawers are set above the lower edge of the metal extrusion and 50-60mm below the underside of the benchtop to create a space to reach over the top of the door to pull it open.

With drawer sets another metal extrusion is set into the cabinet carcase to create a negative detail above or below each drawer front to enable you to open it. The negative detail with drawers creates horizontal lines across the kitchen which may be considered an aesthetic feature, although some may feel this distracts the clean, minimalist look. Negative detail kitchens are easier to keep clean however, because you are touching the back of the door or drawer front to open rather than the front face.

There are also many options for minimalist pull handles which also create a clean, modern look but which again tend to be a little more difficult to open because of the need to drip the handle rather than sliding your hand behind a surface mounted handle.

There’s no doubt handle free kitchens are a popular choice, but to a certain degree it is a question of form over function and therefore a decision to consider carefully in the context of how you will use your kitchen day to day. (ROB HOOK) PN BUILDSPACE KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS – Design Build Install T: 0800 455 556 info@buildspace.co.nz www.buildspace.co.nz

RESTRAINED AUCKLAND HOUSING HOT PROPERTY LISTINGS MARKET HAS EXCELLENT DECEMBER

ARCH HILL - $670. Renovated villa with four double bedrooms and one bathroom.

Spacious living and a small court yard at rear. Partridge Street

THE AUCKLAND HOUSING MARKET FINISHED THE 2011 YEAR STRONGLY, WITH the average December selling price climbing to $573,071, up one percent or more than $5500 on November’s average price, and the second highest average sales price for the year. Sales numbers at 714 also reached their highest level in a December for five years, and were more than a third higher than in December last year.

“December was extremely active, and it has given early momentum to January’s market,” said Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson. “In part, the strong finish to the year was assisted by there being three full weeks of trading leading up to Christmas. Although December was an excellent sales month, overall the Auckland market remains restrained. House prices are increasing only modestly, with the difference between the average price achieved for all of 2011 at $543,124 being 2.5 percent higher than for the 2010 year. While buyer interest is high, they remain realistic as to the price they are prepared to pay. At the same time the number of homes being listed for sale remained low.

FREEMANS BAY - $580. Beaumont Quarter, two double and one single bedroom, sunny spacious living downstairs. A great complex with pool and gym, one car park.

GREY LYNN - $590. Terraced town house just re-clad so like new, two double bedrooms and one bathroom. End unit so extra windows and balcony on two sides, two secure car parks. Richmond Road.

CITY APARTMENTS - $300 and $330. Connaught Apartments, furnished studio and an unfurnished one bedroom, in this sort after building, gym and pool available.

MT EDEN - $420. Two double bedroom apartment in this character deco building on Mt Eden Road. Car park. PN

“December’s new listings at 846 followed the normal seasonal pattern of being low compared to previous months, but the average number of new listings each month for the 12 months was 1220 - the lowest average number for more than a decade and 7.7 percent lower than for 2010. We also finished December with only 4583 homes on our books, the lowest number at a month’s end for four and a half years, and 1282 fewer homes than at the same time last year.

“For the first quarter of this year the Auckland housing market is likely to follow a similar pattern to that experienced last year, with prices increasing modestly and choice remaining limited. Further out prospects for a more active market are positive. The population of Auckland is growing and new house starts remain low, leading to the city facing a major shortage of accommodation. As the national economy improves, and people become more confident in their personal financial situation, they will act on their housing plans, and this will lead to the market becoming more active.” PN

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

97

photography: Michael McClintock

PONSONBY MARKET DAY: 10 DECEMBER

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS PONSONBY PERFECTION MANY LOCALS WILL HAVE NOTICED THE HUGE RENOVATION WHICH HAS recently been completed at 61 Clarence Street, on an elevated 544M2 section on the corner of Clarence and Pompellier Terrace, Ponsonby. With a North/ North west facing aspect, this property will appeal to all sun lovers. The original site comprised of a very old and run down villa split informally into two flats with some garage sheds and an informal sleep out at the rear.

“I drew up the plans with my architect and applied for resource consent and thankfully all went well... although the council heritage architect suggested that due to the location of a stable (where the garage and some old corrugated iron sheds stood) on the early drainage plans, the site was of historic significance. This meant I needed to get an Authority License to build and excavate on the site from the Historic Places Trust and a historic report was required and all excavations were to be monitored and recorded by an archaeologist at my cost!

“This did slow the process down significantly and add a lot more cost to the project – but that’s renovating. During excavations we discovered an old well and the foundations of the stable under the existing garages which once again delayed the project. It was tough getting these out of the ground due to the delays with the monitoring of the dig and a wet winter. We then lifted and repiled the house.

“At this point of the project I usually start working on the look and feel of the interior eg; kitchens, bathrooms and overall design. I meet up with all of the external people involved to plan the finishes and buy things ahead of the time so we are ready to go when necessary. The deadline to move my family into the property prior to putting it on the market in October last year was postponed to November, however, after I fell off some scaffolding and ended up with a broken calcaneus leaving my leg in plaster and me on crutches we did not move in until the middle of December.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

photography: G K H C

Local property developer Tyrone Le Roux told Ponsonby News, “I purchased the property by private sale and after months of back and forth, persistence paid off and after a meeting with the then owners at a cafe in Ponsonby, I secured the property in September 2010.

JONTY and TYRONE in the kitchen “Moving was more of a headache with me not really being able to assist my wife but fortunately all of our fantastic friends pitched in which took the pressure off big time.

This has been a longer process than normal but it was a big project on a larger site than is normal in the area.

“Having a great team on this project beside me during the entire journey has provided the fantastic visual result it is today. Things can get pretty stressful on a site – especially when they don’t always go to plan but the key is (like any type of work) to step back, stay calm and find a solution to give you the result you want.

“I take such immense pride in my work and the finishing can take a very long time if you want perfection. It is all very well having good design but the finishing needs to be world class in my view. This can once again draw out the length of time to completion and in this job - time is money – and lots of it!” PN CONTACT TYRONE AT URBAN SPACE FOR VIEWINGS: M: 021 630 585 www.urbanspace.co.nz

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

99

FIONNA HILL

THE PONSONBY GARDENER

GROW YOUR OWN CRESS

However, If you’d like to make sandwiches to rival Ritz watercress sandwiches, and slop around at home in your jeans on a bad hair day, it’s dead easy ... butter rye bread with salted butter, pile the bread high with fresh watercress leaves, place a buttered bread slice on top and press down until its contents creak! Let the leaves burst out at the edges and cut in half. And even better – grow your own cress.

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is perhaps the most popular of the edible cresses. It’s used as a salad green and sandwich filling and makes good soup too.Its seeds are sold by Kings Seeds who say, “A hardy aquatic plant found in its natural state along gently running streams but can be grown with success in gardens or pots, provided the soil is kept moist in a shaded spot. The pungent young shoots, with smooth and shiny dark green and at times bronze coloured leaves, can be cut once a week for use as a garnish, in salads, sandwiches, soups, dressings, and omelettes. Note: If a clean running water bed is available, raise seeds in a seed tray, and transplant to permanent water bed when 10-15cm high. Cut back any flowering stems that may appear.”

I did as they suggested and have cress success in a shady part of my veggie garden but decided I also wanted to try growing it in water. I bought seedlings and planted them in pots standing in a lurid blue recycled child’s paddling pool of water. I harvested a few leafy stems and cut back the flowering stems several times but gave up – they were determined to go to seed.

I then planted seeds of Watercress Aqua Large Leaf, Nasturtium officinale. Kings say, “Large leafed and high yielding variety with succulent lobed leaves, a pungent flavour and crisp texture. By only harvesting the tops, it allows the plant to re-grow for successive cutting. Best sown in autumn or spring, as it naturally runs to seed in midsummer.” It looked good at the beginning but has gone to seed too.

AMERICAN UPLAND CRESS Common garden cress, or peppergrass (Lepidium sativum), a fast-growing, often weedy native of western Asia, is widely grown, especially in its curl-leaved form, and the seedlings are used as a garnish or in a salad. Gardeners of a certain vintage may remember childhood growing of cress on wet blotting paper in a saucer. I grow it mostly as a microgreen. Microgreens are harvested when the plants are tiny seedlings.

Mustard and cress are a traditional combination and are easy to grow as a microgreen crop. They are perhaps the oldest types of microgreen grown – both have been harvested as a seedlings partnership for use in sandwiches and salads for many years.

This cress has tiny tender green seedlings on a white stem; they’re fragile so take care when harvesting and washing them. It has a piquant peppery flavour and is good to spike a salad, makes good herb butter, and is lovely as a garnish. Mixed with mustard it creates ‘mustard and cress’ seen often in England. If you would like to have ‘mustard and cress’, sow cress four days earlier than mustard so that the cotyledons or seedlings are ready at the same time. It’s also an easy one to grow so it’s a good one to get children interested. If you grow cress microgreens on for longer they are lovely too – I guess they become ‘garden cress’.

The garden cress I have the most success with is Cress American Upland, Barbarea verna. It has rosettes of dark green, glossy, rounded leaves and has a peppery tangy flavour. The plant is very slow to bolt and longstanding. I harvest it all year round.

(FIONNA HILL) PN

photography: Fionna Hill

www.egmontseedsshop.co.nz www.kingsseeds.co.nz www.yates.co.nz

photography: Fionna Hill

My greatest success with watercress is in the earth in a shady place.

photography: Fionna Hill

CRESS SANDWICHES AT LONDON’S RITZ PALM COURT RESTAURANT FOR ‘Traditional Afternoon Tea’ will set you back from £37 per person and up to £58 per person if you’d like to include birthday cake plus a glass of Champagne. And take note: The Ritz London has a formal dress code in its public areas. “Gentlemen are respectfully requested to wear a jacket and tie, and jeans and trainers are not permitted for ladies or gentlemen.”

VOLUNTEERS FROM ‘OCCUPY AUCKLAND’

AN UNUSUAL WEDDING GIFT!

Some volunteers from ‘Occupy Auckland’ along with Peter Crowe, a compost expert and Grey Lynn Community Garden gardeners created a three section compost bin for Grey Lynn Community Gardens in December.

Charlotte, the Grey Lynn Farmers Market manager accepted an unusual wedding gift from the market stallholders for her wedding on 10 December - a chicken coop and ‘accessories’.

100 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

101

RENOVATE YOUR BATHROOM WITH KOHLER The Kohler Design Centre in Parnell Auckland, the Southern Hemisphere’s only dedicated Kohler showroom, has recently introduced a number of new products now on display that showcase the innate sense of innovation and style for which the brand is known globally.

The Kohler Design Centre is unique in featuring the full international Kohler product profile across their bathing, tap-ware, vitreous china and cabinetry ranges.

The Centre also has on display a sneak preview of a stunning new bath – the Abrazo. Made from Lithocast™, a proprietary Kohler formula of pure acrylic and special minerals, the Abrazo is a completely unique design depicting innovation, perfection and elegance.

They have over 800 square metres of the world’s most beautiful bathrooms on display in one stunning showroom, including ten themed display suites and a fully functioning spa experience room. Our expert friendly consultants are able to take you through the selection process and develop a complete bathroom specification from your building or renovation plans.

The Kohler Design Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, Saturday, 10am to 3pm. PN KOHLER DESIGN CENTRE 65-73 Parnell Rise T: 09 336 1389 www.kohler.co.nz

102 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

103

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS RESIDENTS REMINDED TO REGISTER THEIR POOLS Coinciding with the warmer weather, Auckland Council and WaterSafe Auckland are reminding pool owners of their responsibilities, including to register their pool with the council.

“A swimming pool or spa pool is a wonderful asset but they can pose risks, particularly to young children,” says Auckland Council Building Control Manager Ian McCormick. “To help reduce these risks pool owners have a number of legal obligations – including a requirement to register any pool they own, even portable spas, with the council.”

“Doing so ensures their pool will receive a mandatory tri-annual inspection from council aimed at ensuring pool areas are safe and, if necessary, owners get advice on how to comply with pool fencing regulations and other requirements.”

Mr McCormick says people can register their pool or check if it’s registered already by calling Auckland Council on T: 09 301 0101. Information on pool fencing and building consent requirements is available on the council’s website www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

“Remember before you install a pool you must get a building consent and all existing and new pools must be fenced,” he says. “We also encourage owners to complete annual maintenance of pool fencing and gates to ensure they are compliant between tri-annual inspections.” PN

YOUNG ARTISTS TO CHALLENGE SEDUCTIVE PACIFIC STEREOTYPES A lively new Auckland exhibition, ‘The Anatomy of Paradise’, will challenge romantic Western stereotypes of Pacific nations being tropical, carefree, utopias filled with body-confident, bronzed, island maidens.

Exhibition curator, 2011 co-host of TVNZ’s Tagata Pasifika, Angela Tiatia says, “we will use the body to express ideas of identity and examine what it means to have your identity interpreted by someone else.” Ms Tiatia explains, “the aim is to present identity as fluid, a mix of circumstances and a construct of the multiple worlds all of us live in.”

Inspired by a 1947 book which questioned the period’s artistic representation of the South Pacific, the exhibition will consider how the modern Pacific identity is shaped through spirituality, risk, community, health, fear, loss, sexuality, politics, technology and economics.

Coinciding with the Pasifika Festival 2012, the world’s largest Pacific event of its kind, Ms Tiatia sees an important opportunity to showcase emerging Pacific contemporary artists to a large, new audience.

“We need alternative voices and art forms among largely heritage arts displays.

We want to expose audiences to new and emerging ideas of Pacific identities, to stir debate and a new way of seeing ourselves. This is a chance to reflect the modern Pacific community to itself, as well as other communities who share the same passion for understanding and the arts.”

UNTITLED (body building image 54), 2010

DON’T MISS THE MARCH PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE COPY DEADLINE: Monday, 20 February PUBLISHED: Friday, 2 March (Please be on time, as any material arriving after deadline may incur a 20% surcharge)

SPECIAL FEATURES: VIVA ITALIA – ITALIAN INFLUENCES + FOCUS ON KINGSLAND + FASHION / NEW SEASON SHOES + TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ask about our special positions!

Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or T: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

104 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

New advertisers receive 250 words of editorial when booking a minimum of a quarter page advertisement.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Image by Nastashia Simeona

Opening on 21 February at Artstation, Ponsonby ‘The Anatomy of Paradise’ will feature emerging Pacifc artists including photographer Tanu Gago, performance artists Nastashia Simeona and Kalisolaite ‘Uhila, multi-media artists Ahilapalapa Rands, Vaimaila Urale and Darcell Apelu. Artist talks and live performances on Saturday 25 February will feature in the exhibition programme which is supported by Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

105

A NIGHT-IN WITH TIM WAKELY A new year equals a new set of DVD’s from Civic Video Ponsonby

for your eyes to feast on.

THE SMURFS The Smurfs, who are no more than three apples tall, star in their first live action animated adventure. This blue tale is packaged with a whole lot of laughter, cheesy jokes and cuteness that most kids under the age of ten will enjoy.

Director Raja Gosnell brings this old adage to life by enlisting a range of live actors and voices ranging from the television to the music sector. On-screen talent includes How I met your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris, Glee Star Jayma Maya, Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara and Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn. Additionally, the voice over line-up included veteran Jonathon Winters, singer/songwriter Katy Perry, Scottish actor Alan Cumming, American television host George Lopez and Hollywood newcomer Anton Yelchin.

What I enjoyed most about this take, was that the voice talent added new personal nuances to the already established traits of each Smurf, instead of replacing them.

Parents may also find this take mildly entertaining, as there are a few underlying suggestive jokes placed within the frameworks, just for you. However, these jokes are not too obvious and will probably fly over the heads of your little ones.

Overall, The Smurfs is more awe than bore. The Smurfs are the cool kids of the class; they are witty, smart and out of this world. This film may not be Oscar winning, but it’s definitely worth a watch or two.

THE CHANGE UP Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman star in the Change Up which is a profanity driven adult comedy with a slightly redeeming end.

It also has the same director of Wedding Crashers and the same writers as the Hangover. The Change Up storyline is based on a Freaky Friday situation, where the two main characters, Mitch and Dave, swap lives after an alcoholic infused D & M about how they envy each others life. However, soon after the switch, they both soon realize that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. The only way these friends can switch back is by literally learning to walk in the other’s shoes.

PONSONBY MARKET DAY: 10 DECEMBER

At times the film’s high concept plot line did wear a little thin, but the awkward unexpected moments did make up for this shortfall. Reynolds and Bateman’s onscreen friendship felt sincere, helping to give the film a nice overall natural flow. Although both actors are portraying characters typical of their repertoire this film isn’t actually half bad and at times I found myself a little bit shocked especially in that baby knife throwing scene.

The Change Up contributes nothing new in the comedy genre. The done to death plotline is a bore, but the amusing over the top scenes does make up for this shortfall.

The Change Up is a great film to watch, when you just want to chill and laugh at stupidity. This film also made me really want to watch Freaky Friday – again.

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS Friends with Benefits has probably become what director Will Cluck would despise the most, a cliché. Unfortunately the latest apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree and has indiscreetly followed the new Hollywood cinematic trend of where friends, who are the opposite gender, break their sexual agreement by falling in love.

photography: Michael McClintock

Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis respectively play the on-screen lovers, whose initial arrangement seems to get in the way of their true feelings for each other. Cluck’s decision to cast Timberlake and Kunis as lovers enhances the film’s overall youthful appeal due to the relatable on-screen personas which the lead actors project on and off the screen. Men will identify with the laid back cool attitude that Timberlake’s character Dylan projects, while women will be empathetic towards Kunis’ portrayal of the emotionally damaged Jamie. However, most of the spectacle in the film lies with the supporting actors, as their wit and charm shines far brighter than Timberlake’s or Kunis’.

Friends With Benefits is a great film to watch early on Saturday evening with friends before a night of shenanigans commences; the antics are hilarious, the sex scenes are awkward, the storyline is light and the acting is pleasantly passable. Perfect for Gen Ys like myself. (TIM WAKELY) PN

106 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

107

photography: Nicole Beaver

EMILIE PULLAR - MY FAVOURITE ROOM

Emilie (pictured right) is co-designer of Maaike clothing, and lives with her husband - musician Dave - in Grey Lynn.

They have only lived in Auckland for a few years but have always been in Grey Lynn - “we love it here.”

“It’s my favourite because It’s a great sunny and open space, perfect for having all our friends over - but it works great as a workspace, too.

Emilie’s favourite room is her lounge/living room/kitchen all in one. “We love having all the doors open, relaxing with friends and playing music in here. Abby (with me in the photo) and I also use it for meetings and as a showroom for our label Maaike and when selling our ranges to buyers.

My favourite things in the room are my Maaike prints on the wall - I love them, they come from a film we did for our summer collection - and also our old record player. We love music and it’s always going. Our big couch is the perfect place for a Sunday arvo sleep, too!” PN

108 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS INNOVATIVE AND EXCITING FLEXIBLE SLAT BEDS FROM DESIGN MOBEL We spend around a third of our lives lying in bed. It’s the one piece of furniture we spend more time on than any other and the average life of a bed is about ten years.

So, it’s probably a purchase we need to consider more than perhaps anything else.

As technology in most other domestic appliances is forever changing, the changes in needs and approaches to a good night’s sleep are also reflected in the beds we’re buying. A Newmarket retailer with the latest trends for the bedroom is Bedpost who can be found behind Noel Leeming and beside the Warehouse on Broadway.

Bedpost offers a large variety from ensembles to mattresses and frames of which all major brands are made in New Zealand. “It’s quite amazing how customers do ask if the beds are made in New Zealand,” says Richard Koreman, the owner of Bedpost Newmarket. “We have noticed in the last two years that people are preferring to purchase New Zealand made.”

Not only are there beds with traditional bases, but there’s also a large range of innovative and exciting flexible slat beds including those from Design Mobel, who also offer a range of both latex and pocket spring mattresses that are extremely popular. Design Mobel flexible slats have two independent sleep systems that can be configured differently on each side of the bed.

Bedpost Newmarket is open 7 days. Come in and talk to their friendly team for expert advice on choosing the right bed for you. PN BEDPOST, 80 Broadway, Newmarket T: 09 524 5171 www.bedpost.co.nz

ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

109

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS ABODE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO RESIDENTIAL CLIENTS Abode Property Management is a boutique residential property management company focused on the Western Bays area. Abode’s focus is on ensuring property owners are getting the service they need and want.

At Abode you get to talk to people with a vested interest in ensuring your property and tenants are well managed, the people who own and run the business.

They work for you, the property owner; they’re here to take the stress and hassle out of managing your property, from monitoring payments, completing inspections, finding tenants, managing property maintenance. Managing residential properties is our single focus.

As part of Abode’s aim to make things simple for property owners, all property owners have a client logon via the Abode website that provides access to their monthly statements, invoices, and inspection reports, which makes a ready-made filing system for your end of year accounts information, and is ideal for their clients that live overseas.

Because they live, work and focus on the Western Bays, they know the market and are close by when something requires their attention, day, night, weekend, or week day.

Are you tired of dealing with property managers that don’t seem to care about you or your property? Tired of endless deductions from your rent without knowing what they’re for? Wondering what’s going on with your property?

Looking for someone you can trust with your property or just wanting to have a chat about options and the market, give Leigh a call. PN ABODE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, T: 948 6869 or M: 021 207 1884 www.abodepropertymanagement.co.nz

110 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

DON’T MISS THE MARCH PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE COPY DEADLINE: Monday, 20 February PUBLISHED: Friday, 2 March (Please be on time, as any material arriving after deadline may incur a 20% surcharge)

SPECIAL FEATURES: VIVA ITALIA – ITALIAN INFLUENCES + FOCUS ON KINGSLAND + FASHION / NEW SEASON SHOES + TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ask about our special positions!

Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or T: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz New advertisers receive 250 words of editorial when booking a minimum of a quarter page advertisement.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

111

photography: Michael McClintock

PONSONBY MARKET DAY: 10 DECEMBER

ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

112 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS THE ODD JOB MAN Local resident Trevor Plumbly reminisces about a dying breed – the odd job man.

Every village and small town had at least one, the residential suburbs of cities probably had dozens. From memory they didn’t have names or formal trade titles like ‘the plumber’, ‘the electrician’ or ‘the builder’, they were even denied the dignity of ‘Mr’ before their function in life. They were just the odd job man.

Their actual place of business was as much a mystery as their trade qualifications.

Their vans didn’t display any helpful information about their purpose, apart from the ladder on the roof rack. No signwriting with phone numbers for those in urgent need, a hint perhaps that the odd job man was in charge of his own agenda. Contact was made when he worked in your street, thence by back garden fence telegraph to other clients.

All transactions were conducted through the lady of the house, always referred to as “Missus”. Whether this was to ensure equal social standing or avoid remembering clients names I am not quite sure but the man of the house, (always referred to as ‘He’) was definitely third in the pecking order. Anyone curious enough to ask about the job in progress was just told, “ask the Missus”.

Settling the account was a matter of pure trust with no quotes and no fixed hourly rates, which were probably adjusted according to age and financial standing.

Daily hours were started by a greeting and ended with “I’m off now Missus”.

Tea breaks were determined by the largesse of the client, or her enjoyment of a good chat, but any attempt to extract inside neighbourhood gossip was doomed to failure.

Handyman/client privilege was as sacred as any Lawyers, the back fence ladies were hanging judges where breaches of their unwritten laws of propriety were concerned, this, of course didn’t deter them from probing about his private life, marital status, children, residential area and etc. But if any of them were successful they certainly never made the details public.

He remained the perfect stranger, but welcomed by housewives for doing niggling little jobs their husbands couldn’t or wouldn’t do, tolerated by husbands for the same reasons and worshipped by children for his calm capabilities, tolerance of constant childish questions and offers of assistance.

But of course, he didn’t last and we all helped him on his way by embracing cheap disposable parts, making D.I.Y. almost compulsory for men and womenfolk. By cringing before stupid OSH regulations and planning consents. By regarding anything without a WWW. prefix as ancient and therefore of no real value. Even the back fence telegraph seems to have gone, in terms of neighbourhood watch it was as efficient as today’s policing, and when it comes to local social welfare more accessible than most acronym riddled Government departments.

I don’t want to go down as an old curmudgeon wallowing in the days when people handled machines rather than the reverse. It just seems to make sense that whilst accepting and embracing the new good things happening it can’t hurt to acknowledge that a lot of equally good things are being lost on the way including, of course, the odd job man! If anyone out there finds one of these bygone treasures please tell him where I live. (TREVOR PLUMBLY) PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

113

THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

STREET NAMES: WILLIAMSON AVENUE JAMES WILLIAMSON OF BELFAST, IRELAND HAD A GOOD START IN LIFE. He was born in 1814, son of Thomas Williamson who was a linen merchant and a ship owner. James was a real adventurer. He went to sea on one of his father’s vessels at an early age and was ship wrecked several times. By1840 he was sailing as chief mate on a ship bound from Sydney to the Bay of Islands. The lure of the new lands must have been stronger than the lure of the sea because he settled in the then capital of New Zealand, Russell or Kororareka as it was called at the time, setting up a store that sold supplies to the settlers and rum to the sailors.

This early venture lasted only a year because the thriving city of Auckland beckoned.

He was present at the first Government land sale and bought a quarter acre allotment at the foot of Shortland Crescent for £266 where he erected a store then entered into partnership with Thomas Crummer. Prosperity followed. As well as the store they ran one of Auckland’s earliest and best known hotels. At first, the Victoria was a temporary raupo building right on the waterfront of Commercial Bay. Later in 1842 a more permanent structure was built but in 1864, after various modIfications had been completed, it burnt to the ground under suspicious circumstances.

The partners’ greatest coup was acquiring Surrey Hills for a song. This suburban farm situated within a mile of Queen Street, skyrocketed in value during Auckland’s rapid expansion in the1870s. Crummer died in 1858 and nine years later Williamson bought out the sons’ interest for £11,000. A canny investment as soon after, the land became a prime area for subdivision. Like him, many of his lucrative contemporaries were self-made operators from the lower middle class. They were ambitious young men who won commercial prosperity early and influential positions were under their control for many years. James was one of the businessmen who founded the New Zealand Insurance Company and the Bank of New Zealand and he continued to speculate profitably in city and suburban land as well as investing in the Thames goldfields.

All this financial success resulted in spectacular social ascent. James married Julia Maria Seidler of London in 1857, a well connected, elegant young woman of twentysix. With her black hair, blue eyes, and delicate complexion she was considered one of Auckland’s beauties. In 1877 he purchased a 313 acre estate near Onehunga, Pah Farm for £10,000 and set about building the largest homestead in the Auckland province at the time. His dream of creating a family dynasty with the estate as

114 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

its symbol became a reality. The ship’s mate who laid the foundation of his fortune in a grog-shop on the beach at Kororareka was now among the grandest of Auckland’s residents.

Seven years later it was all over rover. The Auckland Agricultural Company of which he was one of the principals, had been formed to develop estates in the middle Waikato Valley. The failure to sell the subdivisions in the midst of the deep rural depression resulted in the company’s collapse. By November 1887 it was insolvent and unable to meet interest payments to its chief mortgagee, the Bank of New Zealand. James was insolvent too and during the last months of his life he was frantic with worry. He died on 22 March 1888 and according to his death certificate it was due to ‘cardiac disease’ in spite of rumours he committed suicide.

After James died the lavish establishment was taken over by the Bank of New Zealand and leased to the Anglican Church then in 1913 it was purchased by the Sisters of Mercy. They have been good caretakers because the Pah Homestead remains largely as it was built with almost all of its Italianate features intact. Now it houses the James Wallace Art Collection and gives pleasure to all who go there. Nineteenth century Auckland was known as the ‘graveyard of enterprise’ and even though he ended up impoverished like many of his fellow entrepreneurs, James Williamson did create an historic treasure for posterity. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

115

THE BOYS’ BOOK CLUB WHAT WE’RE READING Books us blokes on the Ponsonby News team are reading, or have recently enjoyed. We LOVE reading in the bath, or in bed. A real stress buster!

MARTIN LEACH ‘MARIE HELVIN – THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY’

By Marie Helvin (Phoenix/Orion)

Ideal holiday material and one that won’t let you go to sleep at night until you have had a read.

One of the very first professional supermodels, and described by Vogue magazine as the most beautiful woman in the world Marie Helvin has been an iconic image on the global fashion scene since the 1970s.

I was lucky enough to interview her during the late 70s at the house on Gloucester Avenue, Regent’s Park she shared with David Bailey. 10 years later my partner ended up working on Ritz Magazine with both David Litchfield and Bailey. She has always been well connected and Paul and Linda McCartney attended their wedding party in Honolulu. David Bowie drew inspiration for his famous Aladdin Sane tour from her fashion shots for Harpers & Queen.

At the beginning of time an exotic stranger appears in an ancient village somewhere in Mesopotamia and is worshipped as a goddess until she unleashes a horror beyond anything that mankind has ever known. A mercenary unit in Northern Iraq traps a radical Islamic terrorist in a mysterious cave, when they try to extract him they discover a more ominous threat that has been lurking beneath the mountain for thousands of years. What has this to do with a Las Vegas televangelist who is intent on bringing the Middle East to its knees.

Marie entertained Salman Rushdie during the height of the fatwa, introducing Dodi Al Fayed to Princess Diana. Still at the forefront of the fashion industry, she is as much in demand as ever, most recently modeling for her seventh British Vogue cover. Marie’s autobiography candidly tells the story of friendships with – amongst many others – Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger, and Andy Warhol. She reveals the dark side of her own personality as she explains how she gradually came to believe in her own beauty and found fulfillment as an independent woman.

Illustrated with images from several outstanding photographers, including Bailey, Helmut Newton, and Nick Knight, Marie Helvin’s memoir is the remarkable story of a groundbreaking woman.

At an abandoned Soviet base in the Arctic, the battle to save the world is about to begin. Dragon Island a relic from the Cold war, long forgotten but not abandoned houses a terrible weapon of mass destruction.

She remains in the forefront of the fashion industry, appearing as a judge in ‘Britain’s Next Top Model’ and recently, she returned to Japan to present a look at fashion and innovation in modern Japan in “Marie Helvin’s Tokyo”, part of the Luxury Life series on CNBC. Several years ago Marie was the face of Marks & Spencer’s new Portfolio fashion range for women over 50.

‘SCARECROW AND THE ARMY OF THIEVES’

By Mathew Reilly (Macmillan) Scarecrow is back and madder than ever.

A brutal terrorist force seizes Dragon Island calling itself the Army of Thieves and they have control of a sophisticated missile defence system that is able to repel any incoming threat. The fate of the world hangs in the balance. With no one near enough to stop the terrorists in time it’s up to Marine captain Schofield Call sign Scarecrow who happens to be testing equipment in the area. With no one else close enough it’s up to him to lead a team of civilians and a handful of marines to stop them at whatever cost. PN

‘LONDON CALLING: A COUNTERCULTURAL HISTORY OF LONDON SINCE 1945’

by Barry Miles (Atlantic) As someone who enjoyed three decades in London on an extended OE, this is a major and definitive history of the counterculture by our pre-eminent chronicler of the cultural underground. London has long been a magnet for aspiring artists and writers, musicians and fashion designers seeking inspiration and success in this great city.

In ‘London Calling’, Barry Miles explores the counter culture that sprang up in the decades following the Second World War, focusing on the West End and Soho, where the presence of so many artists has established a unique atmosphere; creative, avant garde, permissive, anarchic - the throbbing heart of London. Here are the heady days of post-war Soho when suddenly everything seemed possible, the jazzbars and clubs of the fifties, the teddy boys and the Angry Young Men, Francis Bacon and the legendary Colony Club, the 1960s and the Summer of Love, the rise of punk and the early days of the YBAs. The vitality and excitement of these days and years of change - and the sheer creativity of London – leap off the page of this evocative and riveting book, which I found very hard to put down!

JAY PLATT ‘THE GENESIS PLAGUE’

By Michael Byrnes (Simon & Schuster) Sometimes all I really want is a fast moving, action packed thriller adventure and that’s exactly what I got in this book from Michael Byrnes. Add to the mix a touch of biblical mystery, some modern science belief alongside a touch of military paranoia and you get something pretty damn hard to put down.

116 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

117

ROSS BRADER UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL PROFESSIONALS, WEST LYNN

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A REAL ESTATE AGENT? A friend’s father owned a real estate company in Wellington and I noted he really enjoyed his work, so at age 18 I obtained my sales certificate and a few years later became the sales manager for his business.

Ross commenced his real estate career in 1983 in Wellington, moving to Auckland in 1996 and opening Professionals in Ponsonby. His selling focus is Ponsonby to Pt Chevalier, where he’s sold almost 700 homes with a total value of approximately $400,000,000.

IF YOU WEREN’T A REAL ESTATE AGENT YOU’D BE… an architect.

TELL US YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISTRACTIONS? Any Sola Rosa CD, The Sopranos boxed set and the Rafa autobiography (10-time Grand Slam champ Rafael Nadal).

Ross works with his brothers Derek and Lawrence von Sturmer, from offices on Richmond Road and Pt Chevalier Road.

“2011 was our best year ever and we were the #1 team for Professionals in New Zealand,” he says.

WHERE DO YOU SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS? Fiji, Aitutaki, Port Douglas and Noosa are favourite spots.

HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT? Golf, tennis, cycling and Health and Sports Kingsland gym – sometimes!

YOUR BEST FRIEND WOULD SAY OF YOU… “Mate - the boat should be on the water, not the driveway!”

YOUR MOTHER WOULD SAY OF YOU… “He is far too devoted to his work” (she also sells real estate for Professionals in Wellington).

WHAT ARE YOUR VIRTUES? I’m positive, motivated, enthusiastic and driven.

photography: Amanda Bransgrove, catwalk studios

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? In Pt Chevalier with my wife Tanya, and a 15 year old cat called Puss that has moved house with us several times. Tanya has worked with me since we set up our Ponsonby office in 1996, assisting with sales, open homes and administration.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PONSONBY CAFE? There’s a few to choose from, but lately Landreth & Co. FAVOURITE PONSONBY RESTAURANT? Cocoro in Brown Street.

FAVOURITE PONSONBY STORE? Fifth Avenue.

YOUR BEST KEPT PONSONBY SECRET? Fishing from the wharf at the bottom of Wairangi Road.

ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE IS… If you want to get somewhere, set the bar high with your goals and reward yourself when you achieve them.

WHAT WAS YOUR STANDOUT SALE OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS? A fabulous waterfront property in Pt Chevalier - well in excess of $2,000,000 - which was the record price achieved in the area for 2011.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME SELLERS? The salesperson that lists your home and runs your campaign will most likely also be the person that sells it.

So it is important that you choose someone that you have an instant rapport with and who you feel you can trust with what is probably your most valuable asset.

VICES? Peroni, Pavlova and any Italian food.

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET PASSION? Track days at Hampton Downs and Pukekohe.

AND YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME BUYERS? If you have just started your house hunt and see a home that ticks most of the boxes, then don’t hold back – just go for it! It could be weeks or months before you find another home that matches it.

WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? An Air Traffic Controller.

118 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm will answer one topical question each month.

Q:

I am in the process of selling my business and included in the sale is the lease of the premises for the business. A friend has told me that even when I sell the business I may still be liable for the lease. That doesn’t seem fair, is this true?

A:

Yes, unfortunately it is true. It is understandable that from your perspective once you have sold you don’t want to have any more responsibilities for the business. However, from your landlord’s point of view their agreement is with you to lease the premises for the term of the lease. Your sale of the business does not end this obligation.

Obviously this means that you need to be careful about who is buying your business.

Under the Deed of Lease you have to prove to the satisfaction of the Landlord that the Purchaser is respectable, responsible and has the financial resources to meet their obligations under the lease. This should be important to you too, because if the Purchaser fails to pay the lease then the Landlord can pursue you. The Deed of Assignment would usually record that the Assignor will remain liable under the original lease.

because they don’t have any money so your right of action may not be that useful to you. You may also have trouble in collecting this money because if the business is failing then it is likely that the Purchaser would want to blame you for this and try and set up some kind of counterclaim based on your sale of the business to them.

There is always the opportunity to negotiate with your Landlord to change your obligations. It may be possible for your Purchaser to negotiate a new lease with the Landlord rather than you assigning the lease and remaining liable. In some circumstances landlords will agree to a limitation on the guarantee. Obviously the key to dealing with leases is to take advice and understand your obligations fully. PN METROLAW, Level 2, 36 Williamson Avenue T: 09 929 0800 www.metrolaw.co.nz Disclaimer - This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a legal problem you should seek advice from a lawyer. Metro Law does not accept any liability other than to its clients and then only when advice is sought on specific matters.

Often, especially for retail and hospitality businesses, the cost of the lease may be the most significant outgoing for a business and how affordable the lease is will often determine the viability of the business. If a business is not viable because the lease is too expensive then selling the business may not be a final solution unless your Purchaser has deep enough pockets to absorb these costs.

If you pay money out under a guarantee then by operation of law you have a claim for this payment against the party that you have guaranteed. This is called a right of subrogation. If you paid out money to the Landlord because the Purchaser was not paying the rent then you have the right to claim this back from the Purchaser.

However, if the Purchaser is unable to pay the lease then it is quite likely that this is

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

119

KAREN PHELPS GROWING YOUR WEBSITE TRAFFIC IT’S OFFICIAL – CYBERSPACE IS GETTING MORE CROWDED. GOOGLE NOW has literally billions of websites in its database and growing. If you translated that scenario into the real world and a customer was walking around trying to find your website out of billions would they be able to find you? How people discover your site largely boils down to two things – can a search engine find your site and when it does how highly does your site rank in the listings? All search engines such as Google and Yahoo want to gather as many websites as they can. This means that when someone does a search on a particular subject they can give the best possible search result. New websites are ‘discovered’ by search engines in two different ways. You can manually submit your site to the search engine otherwise a computer programme called a ‘spider’ sent from the search engine will find your site. A spider visits websites to see what text is on each page. It then takes a copy of this information back to the search engine and stores it. Next time someone does a search if they use one of the words you have used on your website then your site will be listed in the search results.

To rank highly in search engines there are four main factors to consider: KEYWORDS It is important to know what potential customers are likely to type in to a search engine to find your business. Think carefully about your business, products and services from the customer’s perspective. For example if you have a florist business your customers might go to Google and type in ‘florist’ or ‘flowers’. This would mean you would want to use these words on your site so that the spider would pick these keywords up so when people are searching for a florist and type in those words your website will come up.

CODE REVIEW How your website ranks is not just about what you can physically see on your screen.

Behind your website is a series of codes that your website designer has programmed in to make your site work online. When spiders go out to ‘crawl’ websites sometimes coding mistakes in the background prohibit them from seeing all the content or all of the website’s pages. This means you need to ensure your website both looks good but is also programmed effectively.

LINK FARMING Another important factor that determines how your website ranks in search engines is how many other sites on the internet are linking to your site. The process of getting more people to link to you is called link farming. To optimise your site make sure you have as many other websites as you can linking to your website.

It is best if you get sites that are not only relevant but also already highly ranked to link back to your site. This is because some of their high ranking with the search engines basically rubs off on your website if they link to you.

SEARCH ENGINE SUBMISSIONS Getting your business higher up the results list when someone searches for a subject is called search engine optimisation (SEO). It can be a technical, time consuming process if undertaken properly by a professional and results may vary depending on how competitive the cyber market place is for the type of business you run. So how do you know if you should proceed with SEO work? Ask yourself - does your business rely heavily on the internet to sell product or services? If so then paying someone to do SEO work for you may prove well worth it.

SIMPLE DIY TIPS TO GROW YOUR WEBSITE TRAFFIC 1. Do some basic keyword research using the Google AdWords keyword finder tool.

Use the ‘exact’ search rather than ‘broad’ or ‘phrase’ to give more accurate keyword results. Include these keywords in your website text but don’t repeat too often. If key phrases are mentioned more than once every twenty to twenty five words Google may penalise you for this and downgrade your ranking.

2. Use Google’s webmaster tools to get detailed reports about your site’s visibility.

3. If you want to quickly check and see how your current website stacks up go to the Google search engine and type in your website address. What comes up will show you what Google has picked up about your business. If it has just picked up your website name rather than listing what you do then the front page of your website needs some attention. Click on the arrow next to your website name then ‘Google’s Cache’ at the right hand side of the screen and then ‘cached text only’ and you will see what Google sees when it tries to find your website.

4. You might like to approach complementary businesses and suggest that you each provide links on your sites to each other. Or do you have friends that have a website who might be willing to provide a link on their site to yours and vice versa? It is very important when link farming to have a description either before or after the link on the other person’s site. It is also best to make sure the description is different on every link for best results. It will improve your site’s search engine ranking more if the text of those links contains your keywords. So don’t just ask for links using your domain name or ‘click here’ but rather ‘Ponsonby florist’ for example.

(KAREN PHELPS) PN

IMPORTANT LEASE TIPS Most businesses operate from leasehold premises. If you are taking on a fresh lease, usually there are two steps. The first is the Agreement to Lease frequently drafted by the agent.

Tenants are concerned with the suitability, location, and rent.

Once the Agreement to Lease is signed there is the second step of the Formal Lease usually prepared by the landlord’s lawyer at the cost of the tenant. This is then checked by the tenant’s lawyer.

However, once the Agreement to Lease is signed the formal lease terms are non-negotiable. They are set in stone by the preliminary Agreement to Lease.

At Clark & Co they encourage their clients to show them the Agreement to Lease before it is signed and ensure that the preferred lease form is used, (the latest edition of the Auckland Law Society) a fair lease to both parties. They ensure that the outgoings are carefully checked and they will amend the lease so that parties bear their own costs, saving the tenant at least $600.

It is conventional that the tenant pays the rates and insurance on top of the rent, although sometimes this is included in the rent. This is set out in the ‘outgoings’ which will also seek to include body corporate fees, and management fees. The lease will also cover aspects like, who is responsible for maintenance, which can be a vexed issue, and the lease should always include a provision for dispute resolution and arbitration.

This is not intended as legal advice. Please see your lawyer. PN CLARK & CO, THREE LAMPS LAWYERS, Level 1, 283 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 2413 www.clarklawyers.co.nz

120 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

KAREN PHELPS WHY MENTORING IS HELPFUL TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS OFTEN PEOPLE START UP A BUSINESS BECAUSE THEY HAVE A GOOD IDEA. But often they soon realise that they don’t possess the many skills needed to create a successful business. The problem can be even greater if you are a small business with limited time and resources. For many SMEs mentoring can help provide the solution.

“The need that is perceived by the business owner is not always the real issue that is causing the problem. It can be difficult to pinpoint problems when you are working in your business on a day to day basis. Getting the outside perspective of a mentor that has already been there/done that can prove invaluable,” says Ray Schofield, CEO of Business Mentors New Zealand.

So what is mentoring? Mentoring can either be undertaken on an individual, personal basis or can involve mentoring the business as a whole to perform better. Mentoring is useful for new start up businesses or businesses that have been going for years but may have run into problems such as experiencing rapid growth or entering a new area of business they don’t feel they have the skills to cope with.

Schofield says that mentoring as a concept is nothing new and has existed for centuries with older and experienced members of society passing on the benefit of their skill and knowledge. “The transfer of business knowledge, skill and experience is a very cost effective method of assisting the building and growth of the New Zealand SME business sector. This sector represents approximately 97% of all the businesses in the New Zealand economy and represents around 50% of all employment. It also maximises the value of the business knowledge that is held by people that have been successful in their

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

business activities and gives them the opportunity to contribute back to our community,” he says. Since 1991 Business Mentors New Zealand has provided mentoring support to nearly 60,000 businesses, with between 2500 and 3000 new businesses joining the programme each year. During the last financial year 1760 volunteer mentors donated some 87,000 hours of their time.

Schofield says that mentoring relationships can be temporary and end once the need is met or carry on for years. Personality is important - it is obviously vital to get a mentor that the business owner feels comfortable with as they will have to open up to them about intimate aspects of their business, says Schofield. He says mentoring is not a negative thing because everybody needs help to get to where they are. In some cases mentoring can prove the difference between success and a business failing.

Says Schofield: “There is no doubt that business in New Zealand will only advance if successful businesses are willing to share their experience to help small enterprises to grow and develop. Mentoring can give a business confidence that it is heading down the right track; play devils advocate, challenge and bring a vast range of knowledge and experience. Mentors get the benefits of passing on their experience and giving something back. Both mentor and business benefit from mentoring and there is always something for both sides to learn.” PN Business Mentors New Zealand operates nationwide and is a free service apart from a $100 registration fee. A range of mentors with different skill are available. For more information T: 0800 209 209; www.businessmentors.org.nz

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

121

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ASK ALEX Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet related issues. e-mail yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz

Q:

Hi Doctor Alex, just the man I need to talk to. We had a local dog fall out of a car last night, while the car was doing 80 plus kph, downtown in Tongatapu. The dog is very bruised, BUT luckily very alive. The local vet techs have given some anti-inflammatories and antibiotics but its tail is just hanging on and the skin around there is ruptured. The smell is terrible! He can’t stop shaking. The large wounds will need antiseptic and stitching and I’m not sure what will happen with his tail. He’s about 18kg. Thanks, Jo. Kingdomkoffie, Veitongo, TONGA.

A:

Hi Jo. Man, very stressful for you guys, and for the poor dog of course. Still happens here in New Zealand despite strict sensible laws around how to restrain dogs on the back of Utes. People either forget to tie their dog or leave the chain too long allowing them to still jump over the side of the tray.

Right, well let’s get your local MAF vet techs and your Japanese vet onto the case.

They’ll be able to use Rimadyl 100mg twice daily for a few days. This will be a safe dose as long as he is still drinking and eating, i.e. not dehydrating and will help with what I am sure is significant pain and swelling. Stronger painkillers would be great but access to these may be problematic. More antibiotics will be needed; Clavulox 250mg twice daily for 10 days should do it. They could add a second antibiotic with a different spectrum of activity if the wounds continued to look less than ideal.

Some of the sudden horrendous smell could be his anal glands emptying out with shock. Deep grazing and bruising could be assisted with medical grade honey as a topical wound cream, Arnica is also useful. Sulfasalazine cream can also be good if the skin has almost been “burned” against the tarmac and is oozing a lot of fluid.

It sounds like his tail will need amputating, fortunately dogs will do just fine without them and it’s a relatively simple operation to do at the MAF clinic up there. For debriding, cleaning and suturing his wounds the local team could use a safe sedative once he’s stable and some local anaesthetic. Keep me posted, you’re doing great work with limited resources. (DR ALEX MELROSE, BVSC MRCVS) PN VETCARE GREY LYNN, 408 Great North Road T: 09 361 3500 www.vetcare.net.nz

NEW YEAR, NEW BABY AT AUCKLAND ZOO Auckland Zoo has welcomed its 30th giraffe calf, with a female calf born on Monday 16 January.

The newcomer is the fourth offspring of 10-year-old mum Rukiya and 13-year-old Zabulu, who are also parents to Jelani – now at Werribee Open Range Zoo, and Forrest – now at Australia Zoo. Their first calf, born in May 2006, did not survive.

Mum Rukiya and the leggy newcomer have undergone vet checks and are in good health, and Auckland Zoo Pridelands team leader Nat Sullivan is pleased about the female addition.

“A giraffe birth is always exciting to witness however the birth of a female calf is significant to the Australasian region, as she is valuable for the breeding programme. After Rukiya’s previous pregnancies all resulted in males, we were hoping she would produce a female. Both mother and calf are doing well, but we’re going to give her and her calf some time to bond in private like they would in the wild,” she says.

Rukiya and her calf will be gradually integrated with other giraffe, zebra and ostrich in the giraffe paddock in Pridelands, and zoo visitors can expect to see them out and about within the next month. Auckland Zoo’s giraffe population now stands at four after the arrival of female giraffe Kiraka from Taronga Western Plains Zoo last year.

Visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz for more up-to-date information about the calf and its progress. PN

Left to right: MONTY, DOT and GEMIMA, all with a big personalities, adventurous, fun loving, but also very affectionate.

RESCUED KITTENS IN NEED OF LOVING HOMES If you are a cat lover and wish to provide a loving home to a beautiful kitten or two –these kittens will be ready for adoption right now. They are fully vaccinated, worm and flea treated. All the kittens are house trained. They are loving, playful and loads of fun.

Because the kittens have bonded - it would be ideal to adopt two - or, if they are adopted individually they will go to homes where there is someone at home most of the day.

To approved homes only. A donation to assist with their vet care would be appreciated. Please phone or text Billie : 021 671 712.

122 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

MAGIC and TIGGER – they are a great team and are very adventurous, playful and affectionate

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ANIMALOSOPHY: DR MEGAN ALDERSON

DOGS LEAD THE WAY ON BYLAW REVIEW Aucklanders are invited to have their say on Auckland Council’s proposal to introduce a new dog policy and bylaw for the region.

Up until Monday 27 February, people can give their feedback on proposals that aim to harmonise the different rules inherited from previous councils and promote responsible dog ownership.

There are seven bylaws and policies the council administers with varying rules in different parts of the region, which can be confusing for the public. The dog bylaw is the first new regional bylaw to be proposed since the council was formed just over a year ago. “We are proposing to make things a lot simpler and user-friendly for everyone, including non-dog owners,” says Regulatory and Bylaws chair, Cr Des Morrison.

Among the recommendations is aligning existing seasonal start and finish times for dog access on beaches and parks, to be the same across Auckland.

In general, this will not change whether dogs are allowed on-leash or off-leash or prohibited on those parks or beaches, only the time those existing dog access rules apply.

ON THOSE SPECIFIED BEACHES AND ADJOINING PARKS WE PROPOSE: SUMMER: 10am to 6.30pm between the Saturday of Labour Weekend and 31 March; WINTER: 10am to 4pm between 1 April and the Friday before Labour Weekend ON THOSE SPECIFIED PARKS: SUMMER: 8am to 6.30pm between the Saturday of Labour Weekend and 31 March; WINTER: 8am to 4pm between 1 April and the Friday before Labour Weekend.

• for a schedule of what the proposals will mean in your area go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/bylaws

“And they called it puppy love Oh I guess they’ll never know how a young heart really feels and just why I love her so” You’ve got to be a hardened soul not to look into the eyes of a less than nine week old puppy and not fall head over heels in love. But can puppy love last? How do you make the relationship stick when that cute little fur ball is peeing all over the house or turning into a destructive force to be reckoned with?

My popular Pet Show on RadioLive 100.6FM (2.30pm - 3pm on Wednesdays) opened my eyes to the most common problems owners all over New Zealand have with their pets.

I would say it’s a three to one ratio of behavioural versus medical problems owners want discussed with our guests on air, the behaviour problems imminently more life threatening than the medical issues ever are. This highlights a huge risk factor for owners, the general public and especially for the once loved dog where with a bit of pre purchase preparation many of the problems described could have been completely avoidable.

Is the answer from above? No, I think the answer is enlisting in some serious professional help from a qualified behaviourist in the first four months of the ‘puppy love’ relationship.

Critical socialisation, firm and clear boundaries and earning respect as a calm, assertive leader is required before the cracks start to open up. Even after adolescence if you are having issues then it is never too late to get help to save what was once your most perfect relationship. Truly, it can be that again!

With your new puppy, start as you mean to go on... puppy socialisation classes are an essential first step on the ladder to a long, affectionate and respectful relationship. For your older dog with some simple guidance to develop Attention, strengthen your Relationship and increase your Control you can learn how to bridge the gap between the dog you have now and the dog you always wanted.

Our new ‘Puppy Love’ programme is a fun and comprehensive course to get you started on the way to helping to find your canine soul mate. Weekly classes on Wednesdays for puppies less than 16 weeks of age are now available at The Strand Veterinarian. Check out www.dfordogs.co.nz for more information on having a good dog for life.

(DR MEGAN ALDERSON) PN THE STRAND VETERINARIAN, 114 The Strand T: 09 377 6667 www.thestrandvet.co.nz

Cr Morrison says for most people the changes will be minimal. “Regional harmonisation of these times and seasons is an important part of the review. It does mean losing access time in a couple of instances but the majority will see the level stay the same or increase as a result.”

Other proposals include neutering menacing and uncontrolled dogs, and standardising dog access rules for council-controlled playgrounds, sport surfaces, car parks and campgrounds, and roads and footpaths.

The new policy and bylaw on dogs is planned to be adopted in mid-2012, and to be operational from 1 October 2012.

Copies of the full statement of proposal, summary information and submission forms are available from council libraries, service centres, or online at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/bylaws or by contacting our call centre on T: 09 301 0101. PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

123

ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT MASTERWORKS GALLERY 20 February – 10 March

JEWELLERY BOX - NADENE CARR Taking a turn from an increasingly involved and researched contemporary jewellery practice, Nadene Carr brings us a body of work that is just about letting go and having some fun.

Preview Saturday 18 February from 2pm JOHN PARKER Leading New Zealand studio potter John Parker returns with his latest body of work, elegantly formed vessels and objects finished with flawless precision.

Utilising three key elements of textile, structure and adornment, Nadene has made a selection of pendants and bracelets that combine textiles with powder coated metals and found objects. Nadene’s latest body of work is no less than playful, mischievous, offbeat, quirky and fanciful! Nadene is a graduate of MSVA, and a member of The Broach of the Month Club and Handshake. PN MASTERWORKS GALLERY, 77 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 1256

A Master of Arts in Ceramics from the Royal College in London, and the influence of European masters Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, equipped John with a strong foundation for the disciplined and intelligent style for which he is now recognised.

www.masterworksgallery.com enquire@masterworksgallery.com

John has often engaged with pointed intellectual arguments in the creation of his work - most obviously the debate surrounding the handmade; craft versus production in ceramics. Using his advanced technical skills, John strives to mimic by hand the aesthetic perfection of mass produced ceramic work. Although devoid of the ‘makers touch’ which identifies most studio ceramics, his works are handmade with every detail and mark attended to.

THINKSPACE JEMPOSIUM Who are you wearing and what are you thinking about?

JEMposium, a prestigious international jewellery symposium, will be hosted in Wellington this February. But Aucklander’s need not miss out!

Kristin D’Agostino, in collaboration with fellow contemporary jewellers Raewyn Walsh, Sharon Fitness and Sinead Jury, will visually document the conference in a way that captures the personalities of the participants and the hot topics of the conference.

Photographs of symposium-goers will be exhibited alongside their answers to the question Who are you wearing? (Which contemporary jewellery are you wearing) and what are you thinking about? Alongside this playful response to JEMposium, the exhibition will also provide the backdrop, and starting point for a series of artist led discussions.

Local conference presenters and professors of jewellery will host each session and continue discussions highlighted at the conference. Details of each presentation will be posted on our website. Kristin is an active member of the contemporary jewellery scene, focusing her practice on the social role that jewellery plays in everyday interactions.

124 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PLAYING AT TAPAC ‘BOULEVARD’ 29 February and 1 March @ 7.30pm

Linn Lorkin, chanteuse Hershal Herscher, accordéoniste Jennifer De Leon, danseuse Guests, Poyema Dance Company Rendez-vous!

BOOKINGS/TICKETS: $20.00 & $10.00; T: 09 376 1671 or E jennydancer@paradise.net.nz TAPAC, 100 Motions Road, Western Springs PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE Regan Gentry: EXILED ANGEL TURNING - carved Pumice

SHOWING AT WHITESPACE

REGAN GENTRY

LISA RAYNER Until 11 February

14 February - 3 March

Whitespace starts the year with a fresh new talent; Lisa Rayner grew up in Huntly, the daughter of a coal miner, she graduated with a Masters of Art & Design from Auckland University of Technology and was the co founder of the artist run space and studio; Second Story in K Road.

Regan Gentry brings his sense of humour and love of the absurd to this new show at Whitespace. Using a wide range of materials and situations his work is characterised by a playful musing and using of material, language, location and structure. The interplay of people and place, local history and situational relevance, often inform his conceptual decisions. Recently awarded one of the McCahon artist in residencies for 2012 and well known for his public art commissions in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, this is a must see show for 2012. PN

“My paintings explore the small shifts in awareness of what we know, see and understand as being ‘everyday’ and how that can encourage new experiences of known sites, memories, spaces and daily encounters.” PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road T: 09 361 6331 www.whitespace.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

125

photography: Vari Lilley

ARTS + CULTURE

INDEPENDENT SAINTS – A NEW GALLERY IN BROWN STREET Nirmala Cooper, a long term fashion lover and artist has worked for World and Zambesi, two of the country’s most iconic labels. Her dream for a long time has been to have her own exhibition space available to all artists and artisans.

Although it’s been a tough few years in the art market she feels that these days many are responding positively to work which has a loving spiritual feeling. She has recently opened Independent Saints in Brown Street, right next door to Cocoro, the Japanese restaurant.

As she explained to Ponsonby News, “Since opening in November last year, we have represented Delia Woodham with her work ‘A Congregation of Sorts’ and more recently we’ve had Saffron Kingan of Irons Kingan Hats with her work ‘Withering Botanticals’; Extraordinary Hats.

“In April we will be exhibiting work by Jin Nang Deng, a marvellous sculptor and painter from Shanghai. We have handmade silver jewellery by Louise Penberthy regularly for sale as well as my own sculptural pieces.

“My last commission was for Dr Julian Lofts of the Argus Trust in Remuera. The piece is entitled ‘Saint Agatha, the patron saint of breast cancer patients’. In this clinic the work offers solace to women having reconstructive surgery. For lent this year, in a few weeks time, from 22 February my 2.1m long ‘Fallen Angel’, Gadreel will be exhibited at St Matthews in the City.

Nirmala’s previous work ‘12 Icons’ and ‘5 of 5 aka the spirit of Jezebel’ was exhibited during two highly successful shows at the Wunderkammer Showroom, Ponsonby and can be viewed at www.bloodlilley.com. PN INDEPENDENT SAINTS, 56B Brown Street T: 022 081 5830 www.independentsaints.org

WANT TO ADVERTISE HERE? CALL JO BARRETT: T: 09 361 3356 M: 021 324 510 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

126 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE PLAYING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND, UNIVERSITY CLOCKTOWER LAWN 3 - 24 March (with Sundays and Mondays off) SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS ‘MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING’ This March, one of Shakespeare’s most loved romantic comedies Much Ado About Nothing swings into glorious life. The University of Auckland’s 49th Outdoor Summer Shakespeare once again invites an audience to discover for themselves some of the country’s brightest emerging talent against a magical and iconic backdrop – the beautiful University Clocktower.

Much Ado About Nothing is a light-hearted romp that follows the fortunes of two pairs of lovers: Beatrice and Benedick, staunch advocates of singledom, and their comrades Claudio and Hero, whose sweet and innocent love for each other renders them virtually speechless. Much mirth, mayhem and mischief inevitably ensue...

Just one year from its Golden Anniversary, the Outdoor Summer Shakespeare again welcomes acclaimed New Zealand actor and noted Shakespearian, Michael Hurst, in the role of production advisor, as he mentors talented young director Sam Pascoe (Breaking Legs Theatre Co). Pascoe and his team see their audience transported to post-World War ll England in the Golden Age of the ’40s, where ‘swing was the thing’. A live band, in its own rotunda, will add period colour with catchy ragtime tunes (composed by Celeste Oram), accompanying era-appropriate song and dance.

It is Shakespeare; twisted, perhaps, but traditional in its interpretation and highly accessible in its language.

THE BIGGEST QWU EVER TO TAKE PLACE ALSO BECOMES ITS SWANSONG…

Working in the open air places huge demands on any actor and it will be no different for the talented ensemble of 16 assembled for this production. Having these challenges met is what gives the Outdoor Summer Shakespeare its unique place in Auckland’s theatre scene, as well as providing many aspiring young actors, directors and stagehands a platform from which to launch their careers. Indeed, the Outdoor Summer Shakespeare has long been a breeding ground for some of the country’s top theatrical talent. Past players have included Lisa Harrow (who later performed for the Royal Shakespeare Company opposite Dame Judi Dench), ex-MP Richard Prebble, actor/director Oliver Driver and Michael Hurst himself. PN Running time: 7.30 to 10pm with a 15-min interval. Tickets: $25 - $18 Bookings through MAIDMENT THEATRE T: 09 308 2383 or www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz

It’s the end of the world according to some – though that’s hearsay, it’s sad to announce the end of Queen of the Whole Universe as we know it.

Yes – with this marking the eighth year of the incredibly popular event and its 10th performance, it also marks the last of its kind.

Rather than dwell on the end of an era however, the show is focusing on going out on an even bigger bang that before! This year’s Queen of the Whole Universe will be its biggest show to date – biggest in cast numbers, biggest in wigs, biggest in heels, sequins, choreography… the whole lot!

The 2012 event also has some surprises along the way; as some of those contestants from previous shows dating back to its very first in 2004 are returning from overseas to join the festivities. There is even the very possibility that the 2012 event looks set to break its own Guinness World Record for the largest number of drag queens on stage in a theatrical production, previously set in 2009.

Throughout its tenure, Queen of the Whole Universe has helped raise funds for HIV/AIDS Charities across New Zealand totalling over $175,000. In 2012, QWU have chosen Body Positive, Positive Women and NZAF Health Services as its charities it seeks to raise money for!

Book now to avoid missing out… forever!

QUEEN OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSE™ plays Saturday 21July – 8pm ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE, Auckland BOOKINGS: 0800 BUY TICKETS or www.buytickets.co.nz Tickets: $20-$79 (plus booking fees) with discounts offered for group bookings.

ALL SEAT PRICES INCLUDE AN INVITATION TO THE POST-EVENT PARTY!

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

127

ARTS + CULTURE

SHOWING AT DEPOT GALLERIES

DEPOT SOUND: ON THE ART OF MIXING

T.L.RODNEY WILSON - Mo’s Kitchen: Anthropology of the kitchen 11 February – 1 March

As with cooking, mixing music is literally like the preparation, separation and combination of raw ingredients, which, with the aid of tools, allows us to create objects we can ingest.

Opening in the Main Gallery: Saturday 11 February 4.30pm - 6pm “Assailed as we are by gastro-pornography, assaulted by the used car salesmen of the kitchen whenever we pick up the television remote, bombarded by libraries of cooking books spewing out onto the pavement on remaindered tables, I was reluctant to impose more foodism on the world. But Mo’s kitchen is a place of peace, delight, love and labour; a refuge. It is also a place of intrigue and passion as some of these little recordings attempt to show. Forgive me for adding further foodist folly to a world that craves its next hysteria. Some are born to lead, but some of us are just born to follow.”

Rodney Wilson’s first training was in Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury, before completing a Doctoral in Art History at the Radboud Universiteit, Nijmegen and a Ph.D. in Art History at Canterbury. He has been director of Christchurch’s Robert McDougall Art Gallery, Auckland Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Victoria, Auckland War Memorial Museum and founding director of the New Zealand National Maritime Museum. His last solo exhibition was 45 years ago, in 1967. Works from that early era are held in the Christchurch Art Gallery, Hocken Library University of Otago, and the Wallace Collection. He believes in a generous gap between shows!

This exhibition is presented by The Depot’s Cultural Icons project and is part of a full programme of exhibitions at The Depot in 2012. PN THE DEPOT, 28 Clarence Street, Devonport T: 09 963 2331 www.depotartspace.co.nz

First the preparation: When we mix music we record the instruments onto separate tracks – each drum, guitar, voice, shaker is isolated and we can focus on the unique characteristics of that sound, much like the different ingredients - flour, milk, eggs, yeast etc that go into a recipe. Each instrument has innate characteristics or qualities of sound that come together with other instruments to form music.

The manner with which food ingredients combine and react with one another (chemical) is exactly the same idea as instrument frequencies combining and reacting to form music. Let’s say we use oil to combine or infuse the flavour in a dish, likewise we manipulate frequencies to unite the deep bass sounds of a song, enabling the listener to feel the rhythm.

As each instrument is separate we can alter each note’s position in time, pitch, length and volume. We have tools to analyse the tempo/BPM of a song that will then align the notes of each instrument to fall in the exact right timing with one another. From here we can also capture that out-of-tune guitar or vocal and change it to create very musically precise work.

In the end, what matters is a song in which we can hear all of the different elements and each element has its purpose in the mix. This creates the feeling that we are listening to a well crafted song and ensures there are no distractions that prevent the message of the song translating to an appreciative audience – no one over-bearing flavour ruining the subtleties of the combined ingredients.

Each band or artist has different stylistic tastes and we work with them to achieve exactly what they want, with the knowledge of all that is possible. Mark Howden. Depot Sound records, edits and mixes with bands, solo musicians, voice artists, ensembles, duets and more. Recent artists/projects through the studio include Bill Direen, Surf Friends, Sidewalk Meese, Jesse Sheehan, Sinaster and Jaim, Homebrew’s Team Dynamite, Cuban Accent, Strayhound, Unknown Peace, the winners of Intermediate Battle of the Bands, Beach Haven Ukulele Orchestra, Stage Challenge JRock Schools along with recorded meditation sessions and The Depot’s Cultural Icons series. PN To talk about your project call Mark T: 09 963 2331 or E: depotsound@gmail.com www.depotsound.co.nz

128 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

ARTSLAB: FEBRUARY AND MARCH WORKSHOPS Artists across all disciplines frequently inquire where they might find professional work and practice development workshops designed from a creative and not just business perspective.

The Depot has discovered that artists want to develop skills in areas such as networking through social media, promotion, running a small business, goal setting and presentation, but they want to do this in an environment that respects and approaches these subjects from a creative perspective. The Depot has developed a series of workshops through its ArtsLab programme in Devonport that are designed for creative people seeking to develop their arts practice and generate income.

NEW MEDIA AND LEGAL ISSUES ONE DAY SEMINAR - 15 February $30 New media expert Lewis Bostock demonstrates how to use social media networking to expand your client base and promote your work. David McLaughlin, entertainment lawyer specialising in the field of intellectual property, advises and answers your questions on issues of copyright and privacy.

VISION TO VIABILITY TWO DAY WORKSHOP – 29 February and 1 March $80 This interactive, intensive workshop will provide you with the tools to establish and maintain your creative vision. You will learn about setting realistic and achievable goals, creative time management and speaking confidently and articulately about your arts practice. Guest speakers give practical advice on successfully taking on challenges and opportunities as a creative practitioner.

BUSINESS OF ARTS THREE DAY WORKSHOP – 12, 13, 14 March - $150 This is an intensive and lively programme in which artists learn how to set themselves up as a business. Practical knowledge and skills in GST, tax, costing and pricing structures, book keeping, marketing and writing a business plan are provided with manual and XL spreadsheets. The programme is facilitated by experienced and entertaining company director Frances Denz.

All ArtsLab workshops and seminars are held at Kerr Street Artspace, Devonport. PN To find out more about ARTSLAB or to register your attendance, please contact Lynn Lawton on E: pace@depotartspace.co.nz or T: 09 963 2328.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

CULTURAL ICONS: AN INTRODUCTION The Depot’s Cultural Icons project celebrates people who have contributed significantly to New Zealand’s creative landscape.

It is a series of visual recorded interviews and programmes made available online whose aim is to share the histories, stories and experiences of some of our most significant visual artists, architects, publishers, entrepreneurs, writers, musicians, arts commentators and philanthropists.

The interviews are between friends and contemporaries and form a fascinating cultural genealogy. Warm, informed and often intimate, the dialogues are a rare in-depth insight into these iconic people’s creative journeys, their youthful ambitions, their hurdles, successes and their contributions to New Zealand’s arts and culture scene.

So far the interviews feature 50 cultural icons including Gordon McLauchlan, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Michael Hurst, Peter Webb, Mary McIntyre, Hamish Keith, Nigel Brown, Alan Pearson, John Miller, Denys Trussell, Bradford Haami, Shonagh Koea, Riemke Ensing, Rodney Wilson, Greer Twiss, CK Stead, James Wallace and Claudia Pond Eyley.

Cultural Icons is the most comprehensive, innovative and authentic arts resource in New Zealand, revealing a rich landscape previously hidden from view. This landscape, born of and shaped by its people, geography and other natural conditions, is the substance of New Zealand’s cultural distinctiveness.

The interviews/programmes are filmed, uploaded and made available free of charge for viewing on a purpose built multi-media website www.culturalicons.co.nz.

Programmes can be downloaded to ipods as audio files and shared throughout the web. In this way we encourage our Cultural Icons to be heard, appreciated and discussed, and not neglected. PN

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

129

THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

Outlets PONSONBY NEWS

+

FREEMANS BAY

Glengarry, Cnr Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 4 Drake Street New World, Victoria Park Rhubarb Outlet Store,11 Drake Street Sale St, 7 Sale Street

GREY LYNN

Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials, 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Sliced,104 Richmond Road Tapac, Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

PONSONBY NEWS is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January. Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets. The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

NEWMARKET

Planet Ayurveda, 41 Gillies Avenue Studio Italia, 96 Carlton Gore Road Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

NEWTON

Benediction Café, 30 St Benedicts Street Design 55, 55 Upper Queen Street

PARNELL

Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Cresent Essenze, 285 Parnell Road Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY

Atomic, 420c New North Road

Artstation, 1 Ponsonby Road Barfoot & Thompson, 184 Ponsonby Road Chapel Bar, 147 Ponsonby Road Fitness Trainer, 36 Jervois Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Spa Ayurda, 213 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road World, 97 Ponsonby Road

Sabato, 57 Normanby Road

Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

HERNE BAY

Five Loaves & 2 Fish, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND MT EDEN

130 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

WESTMERE

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+

131

132 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2012

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)